Should they be able to do that and would it voilate patient confidentiality between the doctor and the patient? If the patients is a threat to themselves or others should not the doctors intervene in the appropriate matter??
2007-10-23 04:41:08 · 5 answers · asked by kasia8706 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I think it's the doctors obligation to report the abuse if someone is using and is driving. Not only is the patient a threat to him/herself, they are a threat to other. The heck with doctor patient confidentiality
2007-10-23 04:49:37 · answer #1 · answered by chase5764 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What would the appropriate matter be if it is not informing the police? Beating up the patient and taking away the keys?
A doctor could very well be saving lives by reporting the person.
2007-10-23 11:46:33 · answer #2 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes, I do think that doctors have a duty to report such a person even if it does breach patient 'confidentiality'. After all, by abusing drugs or alcohol and driving, they are a danger to themselves and others.
I'm pretty sure that in the UK doctors are actually required by law to report such cases to the appropriate licensing authorities, as well as patients who have poor eyesight, active epilepsy and diseases such as Alzheimers where judgement is impaired.
2007-10-23 11:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by Irene E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel they could only violate if someones life were in immediate danger. Meaning if the doc. saw the patient drunk/high, and then reach for their keys and get in the car I think it would then be ok to report, but if there is no immediate danger they really have no right to violate confidentiality.
2007-10-23 11:51:16 · answer #4 · answered by Terrence W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that they are saving lives.
2007-10-23 11:48:18 · answer #5 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋