> The question is to what extent does one's duty to look after the relatives
override one's duty of confidentiality to the patient. I think most of the
writing on this subject has looked at the risk: benefit ratio (if at all)
from the point of view of physical harm to the patient rather than from a
deontological duty of confidentiality. I think this is what Nick was getting
at (and forgive me if I'm completely wrong on that one). Must admit I'd
never thought of that question myself (despite having a bit of an interest
in medical ethics); and it's an interesting one. [Matt Dunn]
I'm surprised you hadn't thought of that aspect, Matt. To me - and to others
like me, including Nick apparently - that is the paramount reason why I am
not in favour of encouraging relatives to view resuscitation attempts. And
yes, I agree with you, it is all about consent but, I hasten to add, it is
not really a legal issue as such - as an action is highly unlikely to
arise - it's fundamentally an ethical issue, in that it clearly impacts upon
dignity and privacy issues. I tend to think of this whole business as a
rather trendy, politically correct, initiative led by some evangelical
paramedicals. I'm just waiting for the day when there is a legal action
against a unit for allowing relatives to witness a resuscitation attempt,
and then there'll be a rapid volte-face in such "enlightened" opinion.
Adrian Fogarty
|