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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Merril Pauls ,
Andrew McRae ,
Sam G. Campbell  and
Paul Dungey
Merril Pauls*
Affiliation:
Departments of Emergency Medicine and Bioethics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS; Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS
Andrew McRae
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont
Sam G. Campbell
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS; Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS
Paul Dungey
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont
*
Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax Informary, Rm. 3-021, 1796 Summer St., Halifax NS B3H 3A7; merril_pauls@yahoo.com

Abstract

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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.

Keywords

bioethicsemergency medicinerefusal of careconfidentiality
Type
Controversies • Controverses
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 5 , September 2004 , pp. 363 - 366
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2004

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