Loose lips

A few weeks ago a friend related to me her experience of overhearing a local physician discuss in public a patient's case over his cell phone. My friend was appalled that such an ethical breach had occurred. I nodded my agreement and thought nothing more of it. About a week later I, too, was a party to such a situation.

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I was sitting in the TV waiting area at a local gym facility waiting for my husband. A lady began talking on her cell phone obviously discussing (including names) one of her client's cases and its disposition. She apparently was a social worker or counselor. After a few minutes she hung up her cell phone and walked to the courtesy phone hanging on the wall and initiated another conversation about having Dr. (name omitted) paged and gave further details of her client's situation.

After some time, she hung up the phone and began talking on her cell phone again, walking down the hallway and back discussing someone's personal information. Finally, she finished, scooped up her belongings and left. Only a few minutes later, a fellow came to the courtesy phone. He was obviously a counselor, attorney or social worker. He began explaining to the other person on the phone his rationale as to why he could not intervene in this client's case and that Dr. (name omitted) would have to understand that he could do nothing to assist this particular client who was in the Emergency Room at the local hospital. The fellow finally hung up and returned to the exercise equipment.

My purpose in writing is to point out such unprofessional behavior and hopefully those involved will recognize themselves and their behaviors and correct them. Public disclosure of personal and confidential client information is unethical, unprofessional and thoughtless.

Jan Dennis

Juneau