Ethical Principles: A Breach of Patient Confidentiality

“Confidentiality is one of the most important ethical precepts in psychiatric/mental health nursing because the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is grounded in trust” (Butts & Rich, 2005, p. 162).

On the one hand, there are certain rules and requirements to be met by different people. People are responsible for their own words and decisions, this is why they have to evaluate a situation properly and think over the outcomes.

On the other hand, there are also several cases when a breach of confidentiality is possible, and to be sure that a nurse does right, it is necessary to evaluate a situation and define whether there are some other ways out with less harm to a patient and third parties. Paola et al (2009) admit that the principle of confidentiality is far from being absolute, and it is possible to find enough powerful reasons to disclose information with a purpose to protect third parties (sexual partners or parents).

However, patients are still able to sue for a breach of confidentiality (Buppert, 2007).

There are two main principles in nursing: autonomy is all about the patient’s ability to make independent decisions concerning his/her healthy future and justice implies an idea of being fair to other people and promoting appropriate consequences. In the case under consideration, several unclear points should be mentioned. First, a nurse did not have the right to develop confident relations with a 14-years-old patient because children under such age have to be protected by parents. Second, under the working Act, a nurse does not have the right to breach information about a patient. This is why a huge dilemma appears and needs to be solved. Should a nurse break her promise to protect other people and help them get necessary treatment in time? Is it necessary to inform parents about their daughter’s condition? Which are the most appropriate ways out?

The answers to the above-mentioned questions may vary considerably, but still, it is possible to find a good alternative. Due to special professional help, a young patient may comprehend independently that her parents have to be aware of this information. In case a nurse proves that a patient needs to share these facts with her parents, there is no breach of confidentiality from the side of a nurse.