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Subject Area
Ethical considerations
Focus
Confidentiality obligation
Simulation Title
Balancing relatives’ concerns with patient's right to privacy
Introduction Theoretical Background Exercises Videos Role-play Cards Facilitator's Notes Extra Resources
Learning Aim

To develop skills to balance patient confidentiality while addressing relatives' concerns in a professional and empathetic manner.

Learning Objectives
  1. Recognise ethical and legal obligations regarding patient confidentiality.
  2. Communicate effectively and empathetically with relatives.
  3. Ensure patient autonomy and privacy while maintaining supportive relationship with the family.
  4. Apply de-escalation techniques to manage emotional or confrontational interactions.
  5. Identify appropriate resources that can address the relatives’ concerns.
Simulation Scenario

Characters

Nurse: The nurse is assigned to a young patient with a sensitive diagnosis from substance abuse.

Mother of the Patient: Emotional and concerned, seeking answers about her child’s condition.

Father of the Patient: Calm but insistent, asking pointed questions to learn more about their child’s diagnosis.

Background

The patient is a 23-year-old admitted to the hospital with complications related to substance abuse. The patient has explicitly requested that the information about their condition is not given to the family members. The parents, unaware of the nature of the illness, are deeply concerned and seek answers from the nurse.

Setting

A hospital hallway where the parents approach the nurse for information.