Case Study 1

A community home for people with learning difficulties was opened next to your hospital last year and since then a steady stream of residents has attended the GUM clinic for tests. Some come along with care workers who may or may not request to be present during their consultation. Your manager has asked you to do some background research on any relevant legislation dealing with such individuals in order to present them at the next executive committee. You however feel there are also important professional responsibilities and ethical issues to address.

Where to begin?

You are advised to search out your own original material

Suggested starter reading:

Access to sexual & reproductive healthcare for people with learning difficulties
The Mental Health Act & Mental Health Law  Guide 1  Guide 2
National AIDS Reference Manual. 2000 edition.
Seeking patients' consent: the ethical considerations
Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information BMA Guidance
CONFIDENTIALITY BMA Guidance