Familial genetic risks: how can we better navigate patient confidentiality and appropriate risk disclosure to relatives?

摘要: This article investigates a high-profile and ongoing dilemma for healthcare professionals (HCPs), namely whether the existence of (legal) duty care to genetic relatives patient is help or hindrance in deciding what do cases where patient’s information may have relevance health family members. The English case ABC v St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust others considered if confidentiality owed putative close could coexist this context. examines embracing concept coexisting duties enable HCPs respect line with their clinical judgement, thereby providing legal support clarity allow them provide best possible genetics service both family. We argue that these dual duties, framed as novel, composite consider interests relatives, exercise act on professional judgements about relative value members, without fears liability negligence breach confidence.