A moral dilemma in the emergency room: confidentiality and domestic violence

Accid Emerg Nurs. 2006 Jan;14(1):38-42. doi: 10.1016/j.aaen.2005.11.002.

Abstract

A professional colleague presents for treatment at an Emergency Department. Investigations reveal signs that indicate the possibility of domestic violence. This is subsequently confirmed in confidence. Personal reflections identify and explore the dilemmas and the ethical issues involved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Confidentiality / ethics*
  • Confidentiality / psychology
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Decision Making / ethics
  • Domestic Violence / ethics*
  • Domestic Violence / prevention & control
  • Domestic Violence / psychology
  • Emergency Nursing / ethics*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Mandatory Reporting / ethics
  • Morals
  • Nurse's Role / psychology
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / ethics*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
  • Peer Group
  • Principle-Based Ethics
  • Professional Impairment / psychology