Student Patients Fear Disclosure at Popular Rotterdam Practice, Raising Ethical Questions
Rotterdam, netherlands – Students at Jans Huisartsen, a general practice catering specifically to students in Rotterdam, are expressing concerns about confidentiality when seeking medical care, fearing details shared with doctors may be inadvertently disclosed to fellow student employees.The practice, known for employing dozens of medical students alongside qualified physicians, has prompted a debate about potential conflicts of interest and adherence to professional boundaries.
Several students, speaking anonymously due to fear of repercussions, have described reluctance to seek treatment for sensitive issues. “I don’t dare go to the doctor if I have an STD,” said one student, identified as Evi, who requested her name be changed. Another student, Hannah, similarly expressed apprehension, stating she feared “possible consequences at work.” Juliette, a third student, shared the same concerns and also requested anonymity.
The concerns arise as ethical guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining a professional distance between healthcare providers and individuals they know personally. According to Carolien bunnik, an expert in medical ethics, “A code of conduct functions as a professional standard: a joint agreement between doctors about what good action entails.” The code generally prohibits doctors from treating friends or family,though exceptions exist in emergencies. Bunnik stresses that students themselves “must assess for themselves whether their relationship with a patient can influence the quality of care.”
Jans Huisartsen founder and practice manager Luc Jansen maintains that patient privacy is a top priority. “Confidentiality is always our top priority,” Jansen stated via email. “All employees sign a confidentiality statement and adhere to their professional secrecy. We also carry out random checks to prevent improper access to patient data.”
Despite these assurances, the anxieties persist among some students utilizing the practice’s three locations throughout the city. The situation highlights a growing tension between the benefits of student involvement in healthcare and the critical need to safeguard patient confidentiality and trust.
