One example of an ethical issue related to confidentiality in nursing or midwifery is the handling of a patient's health information when sharing it with family members.
For instance, consider a scenario where a patient confides in their nurse or midwife about a sensitive health condition, such as mental health issues, a sexually transmitted infection, or an unwanted pregnancy. The patient may express a desire for confidentiality, explicitly stating that they do not want certain details shared with family members, even if the family is involved in the patient's care or has inquired about their health status.
In this situation, the nurse or midwife faces an ethical dilemma: on one hand, they have a professional obligation to respect the patient's privacy and confidentiality as per ethical guidelines and legal requirements (such as HIPAA in the United States). On the other hand, family members may feel entitled to information about the patient's health, especially if they are involved in caregiving or financial decisions.
The ethical issue revolves around the tension between respecting patient autonomy and confidentiality versus the perceived need for family involvement in decision-making, potentially leading to breaches of trust if confidentiality is not maintained. This situation demands careful navigation, balancing empathy, communication, and adherence to ethical principles within the healthcare environment.