In article <[log in to unmask]>,
dated Fri, 4 Dec 1998 at 22:05:19, Ahmad Risk <[log in to unmask]>
writes
>>"Peter Wilson" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>>>Just recently I've noticed several members
>>> requesting advice or opinions on specific problems yet there is always a
>>> danger of breaching confidentiality even if the names and other non-critical
>>> details are changed.
>
>How about a secure mailing list for these discussions to take place?
>
>I can set that up but members will have to verify to me beforehand that
>they are in fact doctors.
>
Assuming there is no wish to 'dilute' GP-UK I would suggest that such a
mailing list would need to be firmly moderated. The pharmacists *used*
to have a lively and informative newsgroup called uk.sci.med.pharmacy.
Then a few months ago, a pharmacists only secure mailing list was set up
for similar reasons. The newsgroup is now effectively dead. While the
pharmacists may feel secure chatting behind closed doors they have lost
a useful public relations platform.
One other consideration. I am not sure that all confidentiality issues
are resolved by a GP only mailing list. It could be argued that
broadcasting information covered by patient doctor confidentiality to
xxx GP's on a mailing list, is a breach of that confidentiality.
A compromise solution might be a secure mailing list whose subscribers
were limited to a named panel of GP advisors. Requests for advice would
therefore only be circulated to members of the panel. Thus any GP making
use of the panel would know in advance the names of GP's who would have
access to any confidential information. Incoming requests could be
posted to the list by the person who verifies the request is from a
doctor, by making the list open for posting by non-subscribers via a
moderator, the verifier and moderator being the same person.
Chris
--
Chris Salter (Vice Chairman) Lincolnshire Post-Polio Network
Registered Charity No. 1064177
<URL:http://www.zynet.co.uk/ott/polio/lincolnshire/>
Web Site & Vice Chairman Email: [log in to unmask]
Honorary Secretary Email: [log in to unmask]
Member of the British Healthcare Internet Association
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