Can "presumed consent" justify the duty to treat infectious diseases? An analysis

CİVANER M. M., ARDA B.

BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, vol.8, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 8
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/1471-2334-8-29
  • Journal Name: BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: AIDS, SARS, and the recent epidemics of the avian-flu have all served to remind us the debate over the limits of the moral duty to care. It is important to first consider the question of whether or not the "duty to treat" might be subject to contextual constraints. The purpose of this study was to investigate the opinions and beliefs held by both physicians and dentists regarding the occupational risks of infectious diseases, and to analyze the argument that the notion of "presumed consent" on the part of professionals may be grounds for supporting the duty to treat.