Confidentiality in general practice

Abstract

Attitudes among general practitioners to confidentiality were studied in Denmark in 1980 and in 1984 and in France in 1980 using mailed questionnaires. A number of typical situations in general practice were described. The doctors were asked whether they would disclose information about the patient in the situations described. In a parallel study the same situations were described and lay people were asked whether in their opinion the doctor should disclose information or preserve confidentiality. The results showed some similarities but some marked differences between Danish and French practitioners; the Danish doctors attached more importance to the opinion of their patients. During the period from 1980 to 1984 a pronounced change in attitudes occurred among the Danish practitioners towards restraining information about the patients. In many questions the doctors' answers were in accordance with the expectations of lay people, especially regarding the preservation of confidentiality. But, contrary to the doctor's opinion, lay people expect that the doctor would provide information if the patient had given consent.