Confidentiality: a modified value.
Open Access
- 1 June 1988
- journal article
- research article
- Published by BMJ in Journal of Medical Ethics
- Vol. 14 (2) , 87-90
- https://doi.org/10.1136/jme.14.2.87
Abstract
In its original expression as a medical value confidentiality may have been absolute; this concept has become eroded by patient consent, legal actions and change in the climate of public opinion. In particular requirements arising out of legal statutes and common law judgements have greatly modified the confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship in societies deriving their law from English origins. Despite this, confidentiality remains a value which the physician must strive to preserve. He cannot however do this without considering its effect upon possible innocent third parties.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
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- AIDS legislation--turning up the heat?Journal of Medical Ethics, 1986
- Medical confidentiality: an intransigent and absolute obligation.Journal of Medical Ethics, 1986