Question

Case Study:

Sherman H. is taken into an exam roon in the office of Dr. K. by the medical assistiant, Mary. Mary gets int a discussion with Sherman about their mutually favorite sports teams. As Mary leaves the exam room, she accidentally places Sherman's medical files on the counter. While Sherman waits for Dr. K., he reads throug them and is shocked to discover that his recent HIV test came back positive. Sherman panics and runs out of the office without seeing Dr. K.

Dr. K. tries to reach Sherman but there is no answer on his phone. Dr. K. then sends a letter marked "Confidential" to Sherman's home, stating that he must be treated and needs to inform his partners about his HIV status. Sherman does not respond to this letter.

Please answer the following case questions (20 points):

1. What else can Dr. K. do to meet his obligations to report a communicable disease?

2. What responsibility does the medical assistant, Mary, have relating to this problem?

3. How might Sherman be encouraged to report his condition to his sexual partners?

4. Did any ethical or legal violations occur? Please identify and describe.

Answer 1

1. Dr. K can send either an email to him named as confidential or he can send any of his medical assistant to his home for a visit and to examine him about the reports and it's consequences if not treated at time ,to meet his obligations to report a communicable disease .

2. Mary has unfollowed the ethical principles mainly confidentiality in this case by accidentally placing the file nearby patient . Mary is accountable for the trauma Sherman is having . Mary has the responsibility to make Sherman and his partner to take treatment for HIV - antiretroviral therapy .

3. Sherman should be first made accept his disease and should be explained thoroughly about the treatment option . He should be provided psychological and emotional support . He should be referred for the counseling session . After Sherman is encouraged to report his condition to her partner by explaining the later consequences that would happen if not reported to the partner .

4. Yes, the ethical violation of confidentiality is occurred. Mary has unfollowed the ethical principles mainly confidentiality in this case by accidentally placing the file nearby patient .