Over 20 years ago freedom of information (FOI) laws were applied to medical practices. Doctors became legally obligated to provide their files to patients making an FOI request. There was significant concern at the time, which largely proved to be misplaced. Relatively few requests have been made.
However, the idea that notes could be seen at any time by patients did lead to some changes in how notes were made. Transparency is a key part of accountability. As the local saying goes “don’t say or do anything you would not like to see on the front page of the newspaper.”
America has similar FOI laws. The Free Press reports that The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) issued a directive to all members to stop using work emails due to concerns about subpoenas and FOI requests.
The directive was broad: “…members who serve on the AAP Board of Directors as well as AAP committees, councils, sections, task forces, editorial boards, educational planning committees, authors of publications and policy, and other AAP advisory bodies are required to use personal email accounts for communications relating to AAP matters and may no longer use their work email.”
Transparency was also out of favour here during the pandemic when health advice which impacted the entire State was kept secret and FOI requests stymied. The contrast with what private doctors are required to do if issued with an FOI about the advice provided to an individual patient is stark.
Privacy is important. What we do in our personal lives, where it does not interfere with others, is nobody else’s business. What we do with our medical hat on does need to be transparent and this is regardless of whether we are in the private or public system, employee or self-employed.
Why the AAP is going down this path can only be speculated on and seems pointless, as emails from private accounts can also be leaked or subpoenaed.
Some years ago I read a prediction that the further we went into the 21st century the harder it would be to hide. Actions of major institutions (previously hidden) have been revealed with some regularity. The internet has given whistle-blowers a tool previous generations lacked.
Privacy is important. What we do in our personal lives, where it does not interfere with others, is nobody else’s business. What we do with our medical hat on does need to be transparent and this is regardless of whether we are in the private or public system, employee or self-employed.
This month we focus on “new approaches”. Medicine has a history of secrecy. In centuries past this was accepted. In the 21st century it is not and demands for transparency will only increase. The AAP has given us a good lesson in what not to do.