Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Abstract

"Respect for autonomy requires that personal information should not be disclosed without the patients consent. Central to the therapeutic relationship of a physician-patient, is ‘trust’ [1], which is a unique privilege given to the doctors by the patient when they share their deepest most intimate matters freely and without fear of disclosure. Maintaining privacy enhances the development of trust between the two parties. However, the key word is “mutual trust” - trust in the doctor’s expertise and knowledge and trust that the patient is consulting the doctor, for his/her/their own health, wellbeing and welfare, without agenda or bias"