The manager of a an out-patient surgical unit shares patient information with a pharmaceutical representative to assist the rep in putting together a survey could assist with the FDA approval for a new drug to combat serious post-op infections. Is the manager involved in an ethical violation? Please explain, why or why not?
Yes, it's an ethical violation. Only the patient can agree to share medical information.
oh yea thank you i found something that said its the rule of ethics that patient information is confidential so by the manager speaking with the rep he is in violation of the patients privacy therefore making an ethical violation. Thank you so much
You're welcome.
The manager of an outpatient surgical unit shares patient information with a pharmaceutical representative to assist the representative in compiling a survey to expedite the FDA approval for a new drug to combat serious post-operative infections. Is the manager involved in an ethical violation
Determining whether the manager's actions constitute an ethical violation requires considering ethical principles and relevant guidelines in healthcare. In this case, the act of sharing patient information with a pharmaceutical representative raises potential ethical concerns. Here's an explanation of why this may be considered an ethical violation:
1. Patient confidentiality: Patient information is protected by the principle of confidentiality, which ensures patients' privacy and trust in healthcare settings. Disclosing patient information without explicit consent can breach this confidentiality and violate patient rights.
2. Informed consent: Patients have the right to be informed and provide consent before their information is shared with external parties. Unless patients have provided explicit consent specifically for this purpose, sharing their information with a pharmaceutical representative would violate this right.
3. Purpose of use: The manager is sharing patient information to help the pharmaceutical representative prepare a survey for FDA approval. While this may appear to serve a noble cause, the primary purpose of patient data is to support individualized care, not commercial interests. Using patient information for non-medical purposes without clear justification can be seen as an ethical violation.
4. Conflict of interest: The relationship between the manager and the pharmaceutical representative raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. The manager's duty is to prioritize the patients' well-being, while the pharmaceutical representative's interest lies in promoting their product. Sharing patient information with someone with a vested interest can compromise the objectivity and integrity of the shared survey.
In conclusion, based on patient confidentiality, informed consent, maintaining the primary purpose of patient information, and potential conflicts of interest, the manager may be involved in an ethical violation by sharing patient information with the pharmaceutical representative without proper justification and consent.