Protecting patients

‘Business Dilemmas’

Dr Nicola Lennard (right) gives advice in two scenarios where patients’ confidentiality is at stake

Dilemma 1

I worry she can’t care for children

Q A 38-year-old woman has been attending my private practice for treatment for alcohol dependency. She is on medication to reduce her cravings but has relapsed on several occasions and is prone to risk-seeking behaviour.

The patient has been in a steady relationship for six months and her partner has now asked her to move in.

However, he has young children who regularly stay at weekends and holidays and the patient has confided that she will be left in charge while her partner is at work.

I raised concerns about the level of child supervision, but she refuses to accept there’s a problem and will not provide consent for me to discuss the matter with her partner.

I’m worried that she isn’t ready for this responsibility and the children might be at risk, but I don’t want to alienate my patient when she is getting her life on track again.

Should I report my concerns?