Withholding Information
In rare and exceptional circumstances information can be withheld from a patient (including information relating to their treatment).
There is justification in common that information concerning treatment can be withheld if it has been reasonably established that disclosure would cause serious psychological harm to the patient. The Data Protection Act 1998, which states that access to health records can be withheld if it could cause serious physical or mental harm to the patient, may also have some relevance. However, withholding information should not be done lightly and should be well justified and documented.
References
- Beauchamp and Childress. 1979 The Principles of biomedical ethics.
- Sidaway v. Bethlem Royal Hospital (1984) All Engl Law Rep. Feb 23;[1984] 1:1018-36.
- Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority. 19884 All Engl Law Rep. 1984 Nov 19-Dec 20 (date of decision);1985(1):533-59.
- General Medical Council (UK). Ethical guidance: Confidentiality. October 2009.
http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/confidentiality.asp - Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. Principles of biomedical ethics, 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2001.
- http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/NotificationsOfInfectiousDiseases/ListOfNotifiableDiseases/
- W v. Egdell. All Eng Law Rep. 1989 Nov 9;[1990] 1:835-53.
- Her Majesty's Stationery Office (UK). The Data Protection Act (1998). 1998
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980029.htm - General Medical Council (UK). Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information. September 2000 .
http://www.gmc-uk.org/standards/secret.htm