Ethics/psychology
S.V. Carr
Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
The ethical aspects of screening in sexual healthcare are often problematic
for the clinician. Opposing ethical concepts can highlight conflict between the
benefits to the individual and the good of society.
The impact on the individual patient of screening is very important and is
often overlooked. A procedure which seems simple and straightforward to a
clinician can often have far reaching impact on the individual’s feelings and
lifestyle.
The dilemma of the clinician is to be able to undertake ethical, evidence
based screening programmes in sexual health whilst carrying out their duty of
care to the individual patient in recognising the potential emotional impact of
these programmes.