Military Medical Ethics – Scenario Collection

Disclosure in the public interest?

Page ID: 93
Last updated: 02 Aug, 2023
Page ID: 93
Last updated: 02 Aug, 2023
Revision: 4
Comments: 0
  • A sergeant in your unit asks if he can talk to you in confidence. Several weeks ago his patrol came under attack. Two of his colleagues were killed and three were severely wounded.
  • Although he did not sustain any physical injuries, he has been unable to sleep properly since the incident and is experiencing feelings of extreme panic.
  • Two days ago he received a letter from his girlfriend back home, telling him that their relationship is over.
  • He says he feels like he is "cracking up" and is worried that things will just "snap".

Source: BMA Medical Ethics Committee and Armed Forces Committee Ethical decision-making for doctors in the armed forces: a tool kit, London, BMA, p. 29.

Questions for the discussion of this scenario

What is your duty of confidentiality here?

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Page ID: 93
Last updated: 02 Aug, 2023
Revision: 4
Comments: 0
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