Ethics in the trenches: Part 2. Case studies of ethical challenges in emergency medicine

作     者：Pauls, Merril McRae, Andrew Campbell, Sam G. Dungey, Paul 

作者机构：Department of Emergency Medicine Dalhousie University Halifax NS Canada Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Halifax NS Canada Department of Emergency Medicine Queen's University Kingston Ont. Canada Dept. of Emergency Medicine Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Halifax Informary Halifax NS B3H 3A7 1796 Summer St. Canada 

出 版 物：《Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine》 (Can. J. Emerg. Med.)

年 卷 期：2004年第6卷第5期

页      面：363-366页

主　　题：Bioethics Confidentiality Emergency medicine Refusal of care 

摘      要：Unique ethical issues arise in the practice of emergency medicine, and common ethical problems are often more difficult to address in the emergency department than in other medical settings. This article is Part 2 of the Series Ethics in the Trenches and it presents and analyses 2 cases - each dealing with an ethical challenge that emergency physicians are likely to encounter. The first case deals with patient refusal of care. When a patient refuses recommended care, the emergency physician must ensure the patient s decision is informed and that the patient comprehends the implications of his or her choice. The second case deals with patient involvement in criminal activities. Emergency physicians often encounter patients who have engaged in illegal activities. Although certain activities must be reported, physicians should be mindful of their responsibility to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.