The Ethical Dilemma of Balancing Confidentiality and Duty to Protect: A Case Report of Comorbid Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use Disorder with Homicidal Thoughts.

Journal: Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association

Volume: 64

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Ghana. Department of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. Department of Psychiatry, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Department of Psychiatry, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana.

Abstract summary 

This is a report of a 29-year-old female with a history of Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use Disorder who presented with auditory hallucinations that asked her to kill her immediate supervisor. She presented the ethical dilemma many healthcare providers face in balancing the principles of patient confidentiality with the duty to protect and beneficence. The clinicians breached the patient's right to confidentiality to protect her supervisor by informing the supervisor, their manager, and the police. However, they also ensured her job security, which she risked in an environment where mental illness is highly stigmatized. This case highlights the importance of considering the ethical principles of disclosing confidential information, such as the Tarasoff I and II, and beneficence (as her job was protected) in making clinical decisions. It also summarizes the legal precedents established by the Tarasoff cases and the implications for clinical practice.

Authors & Co-authors:  Fiagbe Delali D Edwin Ama Kyerewaa AK Dordoye Eugene K EK Dellor Dzifa D Gyamera Adwoa A Dziwornu Emmanuel E

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Parliament of Ghana. Act 851 [Internet]. 2012. [cited 2023 Feb 10]. Available from: https://www.moh.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Public-Health-Act-851.pdf
Authors :  6
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 0300-1652
Study Population
Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Beneficence;Duty to Protect;Ethical Dilemma;Schizophrenia;Tarasoff I and II
Study Design
Case Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
Nigeria