HIV testing in dementia: clinical, ethical and patient safety implications.
This article presents patient safety issues along with the professional and ethical challenges in relation to UK guidelines on HIV testing in patients who are incapacitated as a result of dementia. Current protocols are designed to protect the patient, but may have undesirable consequences for patients, carers and doctors.
Collier
A
A
Department of General Medicine, The Ayr Hospital, Ayr KA6 6DX.
Ghosh
S
S
Dowie
A
A
Walsh
K
K
O'Leary
C
C
D000368:Aged; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D016602:Needlestick Injuries; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012449:Safety