As a health information professional, we must act as professionals and consider all cases professionally regardless of whether there is a personal connection or not. In this case, we must consider as a person we don’t know even, she is my friend or she is a celebrity.
What should you do? Can you tell your friend?
I should do nothing. And also cannot disclose this information my friend.
Can you interfere with other people or family issue?
No, I cannot. But there is (at least in Myanmar) protocol for HIV disclosure and family member notification but its responsibility lies with visiting doctors and counselors.
Should your friend not know about this because she might be at risk?
Yes, she might be at risk but as health information professional, we cannot disclose this information. The most I can do is referral to the responsible healthcare provider for counseling for disclosure and partner testing but it solely depends upon the patient.
Fundamental principles
Self-determination: We must respect the patient’s right to control who knows about their medical condition.
Doing good: We can do good by ensuring that the patient is counseled appropriately and follow protocols for notifications through official channels.
Do no harm: Disclosing to my friend without the consent could harm the patient and also harm the trust of health system.
Our obligation is to protect patient confidentiality and the right to hold the information lies within the patient. But we have to sure that the case is handled according to public health protocols.
