Serving two masters: a dilemma in general practice.
General practitioners are the custodians of large quantities of confidential information, and they are often asked to use this to furnish reports for third parties. The implications of consenting to the disclosure of information for such purposes are frequently ill understood by patients. If there is a possibility that such disclosure may disadvantage the patient, the doctor should discuss the matter personally with the patient before releasing any information.
Toon
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PD
Jones
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EJ
D000328:Adult; D003219:Confidentiality; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007258:Informed Consent; D007352:Insurance, Life; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged