Question

A 32-year-old woman is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She asks you not to tell her parents about the diagnosis. Later, her mother phones the clinic demanding to know the results ‘because we are her next of kin’. The patient has full capacity. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you cannot disclose information without the patient’s consent and offer to discuss with the patient

Answer

Explain the full diagnosis to the mother because she is next of kin

Answer

Refuse to speak to the mother and terminate the call

Answer

Confirm that tests were abnormal but avoid details

Answer

Send a copy of the clinic letter to the mother marked ‘confidential’

Practice question

A 32-year-old woman is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She asks you not to tell her parents about the diagnosis. Later, her mother phones the clinic demanding to know the results ‘because we are her next of kin’. The patient has full capacity. What is the most appropriate response?