The "patient-physician privilege" best describes:Question 20Select one:a.Truth-tellingb.Confidentialityc.Non- maleficenced.Autonomye.Justice

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the key concepts in the question, specifically focusing on "patient-physician privilege."
2. Analyze the options provided to determine which best aligns with the privilege.

Relevant Concepts

• Patient-Physician Privilege: This legal concept protects the confidentiality of communications between a patient and their physician. It is designed to foster trust in the healthcare relationship.

Analysis and Detail

1. a. Truth-telling: This involves the ethical obligation to be honest but does not directly relate to the confidentiality protection that privilege provides.
2. b. Confidentiality: This aligns closely with the privilege, as it emphasizes the protection of patient information shared with a physician.
3. c. Non-maleficence: This principle refers to the obligation to not inflict harm, which is more about ethical practice rather than privilege.
4. d. Autonomy: This pertains to the right of patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare but does not directly relate to privilege.
5. e. Justice: This is a principle that refers to fairness in medical treatment, not specifically tied to the concept of privilege.

Verify and Summarize

The best descriptor of "patient-physician privilege" is confidentiality, as this concept directly relates to the protection of patient information shared during medical consultations.

Final Answer

b. Confidentiality