I don't think it is possible to block anyone - Membership of the list can be gained simply by going to the Mailbase address. ,
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/acb-clin-chem-gen/
Unless each application to join is screened, entry is automatic.
TIM
***************************************************************************************
Prof. T. Reynolds,
Clinical Chemistry Dept,
Queens Hospital,
Belvedere Rd.,
Burton-on-Trent,
STAFFS,
DE13 0RB.
---------
Tel: +44 (0)1283 511511 ext. 4035
Fax: +44 (0)1283 593064
-----------
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: c=GB;a=NHS;p=NHS NATIONAL INT;dda:RFC-822=acb-clin-chem-gen-request(a)mailbase.ac.uk;
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 11:47 AM
To: c=GB;a=NHS;p=NHS NATIONAL INT;dda:RFC-822=ozinder(a)techunix.technion.ac.il;
Cc: c=GB;a=NHS;p=NHS NATIONAL INT;dda:RFC-822=Acb-clin-chem-gen(a)mailbase.ac.uk;
Subject: Re: Use of Mailbase
Although we fully agree and sympathise with the opinion of
prof.Zinder, we would like to draw attention to the fact that the
number of web sites where information (tailored for laymen) about
the meaning of labtests is rapidly growing.
What would you say if a member of your laboratory staff
confidentially asked your opinion about the outcome of their
lab.tests?
Raymond Wulkan
Rotterdam-NL
Date sent: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 11:30:51 +0300
Subject: Use of Mailbase
From: "Prof. O. Zinder" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Send reply to: "Prof. O. Zinder" <[log in to unmask]>
In the recent correspondence regarding the anti-smooth muscle antibodies,
we have been exposed to a possible problem in our system, which also
relates to the large volume of emails discussing the release of lab results
to patients.
A patient (Michelle Ellis), who somehow knew of, or was given, the email
address of the acb communication network, requested information regarding
the possible medical consequences of the appearance of anti-smooth muscle
antibodies. Two (up to now) of our colleagues answered this request for
information, as all of us have done from time to time in response to
similar queries from colleagues who participate in this excellent network.
They gave her expert information which might not have been given had they
known that the request had come from a patient, and not a colleague or her
physician.
The provision of expert knowledge to a patient has been thought by many to
be the responsibility of the attending physician, following consultation
with the clinical pathologist if the physician is in need of further
explanation of the lab results, or by permission of the physician following
his/her discussion with the lab expert. This has been deemed not to be the
responsibility of clinical laboratory personnel who are not directly
involved in this case, and not familiar with the patient or the medical
situation confronted by the patient.
As has been noted in this network, such information, obtained directly by
the patient from the clinical pathologist, can then be brought to the
physician, mentioning the possible medical consequences of the lab data,
without the physician having any knowledge that such information was being
solicited. The ramifications of this action, such as a possible lack of
trust between physician and patient, might affect their future
relationship, and also the subsequent care the patient will receive. I am
sure that this is not be what clinical pathologists have in mind when
innocently responding to an anonymous request for information on a test
result, especially when asked on our own inner network.
I do not blame Ms Ellis for making the request, as she is anxious to know
what her lab results mean. I think, however, that great care has to be
taken to ensure that the network does not become an "escape hatch" for
patients not satisfied with answers their physicians gave them, wanting to
"be prepared" to discuss their medical situation with the physician, or
wanting to get a second opinion about the medical consequences of their lab
tests.
I strongly believe that we must be pro-active partners of the medical staff
in the dispensing of appropriate health care, and discuss with them their
patients and possible testing strategies, as well as interpretation of
results and possible outcomes. However, we must not get in between the
physician and the patient. This bond, and its subsequent trust, is a
cardinal issue in medicine, and must be respected.
I do not know how we can protect our system from such "infiltration", but
we certainly must try!
Oren Zinder
Prof. Oren Zinder
Department of Clinical Biochemistry
Rambam Medical Center
Haifa, ISRAEL 31096
Tel: +972-4-854-3767
Fax: +972-4-854-2409
email: [log in to unmask]
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|
