DIcussion Question

Running head : Discussion Question

Discussion Question

Client 's Name

University Affiliation

Discussion Question

Most professional - client relationships are governed by the principle of confidentiality . This principle is often enunciated in codes of professional ethics . Moreover , the confidentiality principle is a strong one that finds legal support in most cases that reach the courts (Davis 1981

The question of who is benefited by the confidentiality principle may be answered by referring to two philosophical positions that serve as the rationale for the principle . The first philosophical position is

based on the utilitarian philosophy , which focuses on the long-term consequences of an action . Under this theory , the patient who is assured of full confidentiality would feel more comfortable in revealing all important facts about him , because he would have no fear of judgment or revelation of his secrets . This would result in beneficial consequences for him and the doctors , because the latter need relevant information in to accurately assess the condition of the patient . Thus , a contrary situation where the doctor is allowed to break the confidence of the patient would lead to the betrayal of the patient 's trust and the serious impairment of the professional relationship (Davis , 1981

Another philosophical position that justifies the confidentiality of medical records of patients is based on the deontological position on the principle of respect for persons . Thus , respecting a person 's autonomy necessarily means respecting his privacy (Davis , 1981

It is apparent from the above justifications that confidentiality of medical records benefits the patients , doctors and the medical institutions . Patient confidentiality leads to more efficient treatment of patients . Moreover , the integrity of the medical profession and institutions is preserved

References

Davis , A . J (1981 . Dilemmas in Practice : Whom Can You Tell ? The American Journal of Nursing 81 (11 , 2078

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