When confidential medical information can prevent a serious harm to a third party, the patient’s prima facie right to confidentiality must be balanced against the physician’s prima facie obligation to prevent serious harm to that third party.
AMA J Ethics. 2015;17(9):819-825. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2015.17.9.ecas1-1509.
Dr Colleen E. Bennett joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Cindy W. Christian: “How Should Clinicians and Students Cope With Secondary Trauma When Caring for Children Traumatized by Abuse or Neglect?”
Dr Katherine Pumphrey joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Jessica Hart: “What the COVID-19 Pandemic Teaches Us About Pediatric Iatrogenic Risk.”
Isabelle M. Mikell joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Courtney L. Savage Hoggard and Dr Harald Schmidt: "What Should Be Roles of Federal Clinician Governors in Motivating Equity in Locally Coordinated Triage Protocols?"
Dr Evan Anderson joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article, coauthored with Professor Scott Burris: “Which Skills Are Key to Public Health Leaders’ Success in Crisis Management?”
Educators discussing ethically challenging topics with students should try to cultivate open mindedness while illuminating potential negative consequences that their health practice beliefs—such as refusing to provide abortion care—can have for patients, particularly those with limited options.
AMA J Ethics. 2018;20(7):E637-642. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2018.637.