Duty to Recontact refers to the ethical and legal obligation that healthcare professionals have towards their patients to revisit or reestablish contact in certain circumstances. It encompasses the responsibility to initiate communication with patients when new and significant relevant information emerges that could impact their care or treatment.
This duty arises primarily in the field of genetic and genomic medicine, where advancements in technology and research continually provide new insights into the understanding of genetic diseases or conditions. If, for example, a patient's genetic test results have been reinterpreted due to scientific advancements or the identification of a previously unknown gene variant, the healthcare professional has a duty to recontact the patient and inform them of the updated information.
The duty to recontact is rooted in principles of patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. By communicating important updates to patients, healthcare professionals enable them to make informed decisions about their healthcare, potentially influencing their treatment options, risk assessments, and preventive measures.
The duty to recontact is also applicable when the initial therapeutic intervention proves to be ineffective or has unexpected adverse effects. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to communicate and discuss alternative treatment options or modifications to the existing plan.
Overall, the duty to recontact serves as a safeguard to ensure that patients are provided with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their care, empowering them to actively participate in decisions that affect their health and well-being.
