i would approach the question 'how much should we tell the relatives?' like the question 'how much we should tell the patient?'. There are no absolutes. We should use our 'art' to try and do our best for each patient, having the humility to know that we will sometimes get it wrong (and showing uderstanding to our colleagues when they get it wrong).
The GMC advice has the problem inherent in all Guidelines - it is a statement of principle which is fine for the 'average' patient, but is totally inappropriate in many 'real life' circumstances. A Guideline should be something that undepins practice, but being adapted to the individual patient, not an absolute rule.
Maybe we are, as a profession, guilty of encouraging the lawyer's view that Guidelines have to be followed?
Tim. Coats.
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jel Coward
Sent: 13 June 2005 04:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Patient confidentiality
Jeremy Mayhew wrote:
>
> Confidentiality should be an art not a protocol, and its application perhaps
> requires as much skill sensitivity and care as answering a trauma call!
>
And therein lies the problem - or the fear at least. We are practicing
an art but seem to be judged by absolutes. Isn't it great?
I guess one approach would be to ask oneself - 'will I get suspended or
struck off for this?' if not then it is probably safe to ignore the GMC
advice and regard whatever procedures might ensueas an irritation
necessary to be able to practice ones art - a bit like the having to go
to the shop to by paint or canvas ;-)
Regards all
Jel
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