This paper highlights the fact that medical confidentiality is an absolute duty which needs qualifications within the Cameroonian context. Hence, what is the duty of confidentiality? How does the principle of confidentiality operate in Cameroon? What are the justifications for medical confidentiality? How can medical confidentiality be breached? How is medical confidentiality terminated? Based on the ensuing above, the paper examines the origins and concept of medical confidentiality. It further investigates the justifications of medical confidentiality and circumstances which medical confidentiality comes to an end.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- ABSTRACT
- INTRODUCTION
- EVOLUTION AND BASIS OF THIS PRINCIPLE IN CAMEROON
- REASONS FOR MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY
- WHAT AMOUNTS TO BREACH OF MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY?
- Qualified nature of medical secrecy
- SYNOPSIS OF MEDICAL SECRECY OR CONFIDENTIALITY
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the concept of medical confidentiality within the context of Cameroon's medical law and ethics. It examines the origins and justifications for this principle, the circumstances under which it can be breached, and the legal consequences of such breaches.
- The origins and concept of medical confidentiality.
- The justifications for medical confidentiality.
- Circumstances under which medical confidentiality can be breached.
- The legal consequences of breaching medical confidentiality.
- The qualified nature of medical confidentiality in Cameroon.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- ABSTRACT: This section introduces the main argument of the paper, stating that while medical confidentiality is an absolute duty, it requires qualifications within the Cameroonian context. It outlines the key questions addressed throughout the paper, such as the nature of the duty, justifications for confidentiality, and circumstances for its breach.
- INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the historical development of medical confidentiality, tracing its origins to the Hippocratic Oath and highlighting significant legal cases that have shaped the principle. It also mentions relevant legislation, such as the Human Rights Act and Data Protection Act, which further protect medical information.
- EVOLUTION AND BASIS OF THIS PRINCIPLE IN CAMEROON: This section delves into the legal basis of medical confidentiality in Cameroon, specifically referencing the Hippocratic Oath and the Declaration of Geneva. It also examines relevant provisions from the Cameroon Code of Medical Ethics and Law No. 90, emphasizing the duty of medical professionals to uphold confidentiality and the importance of patient privacy.
- REASONS FOR MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY: This chapter explores the reasons for upholding medical confidentiality, highlighting the need to protect patients' physical and moral integrity and maintain the trust between doctors and patients. It emphasizes the role of confidentiality in fostering open communication and facilitating accurate diagnoses and treatment.
- WHAT AMOUNTS TO BREACH OF MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY?: This section defines the elements that constitute a breach of medical confidentiality, emphasizing the need for the information to be confidential, imparted under an obligation of confidentiality, and used without authorization.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key topics and terms explored in this paper include medical professional-patient secrecy, absolute duty, qualified duty, Hippocratic Oath, Declaration of Geneva, Cameroon Code of Medical Ethics, Law No. 90, patient privacy, legal consequences, consent, medical expertise, legal requirements, and medical research.
- Quote paper
- Melle Akame Winslow (Author), 2021, Medical Confidentiality in Cameroon. Origins, Justifications and Limits, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1031650
