Why Is Confidentiality Important In Healthcare
Confidentiality is important and central value between a healthcare worker and their patients. It protects a patient’s personal information and limits access by others, promotes trust and encourages an environment where the patient can express any concerns or share information. In addition, confidentiality can encourage a patient to participate more in their own healthcare and empowers the patient because their information may only be disclosed with their consent.
However, it is important to realise that confidentiality is not absolute. There are cases where the healthcare worker may deem it necessary to disclose certain information about a patient. Information may be required by a court order, in the prevention or detection of crime, disclosures
in the public interest or public safety.
However, a healthcare professional may feel they face dilemmas as to whether they should report information given to them in confidence. It is important to put the patient’s best interests first, follow agreed working procedures and policies and seek advice from a supervisor or manager. Always act within the boundaries of the law and if in doubt, refer to the Public Interest Disclosure Act for clarity.
It is important to know what an individual’s rights are. For example, you must reassure the patient that they are protected under the law from acts of reprisal or victimisation.
As a healthcare worker, you have the right to report suspected abuse, breaches in safe practices and you will also be protected under the law from acts of reprisal or victimisation.
However, it is important to realise that confidentiality is not absolute. There are cases where the healthcare worker may deem it necessary to disclose certain information about a patient. Information may be required by a court order, in the prevention or detection of crime, disclosures
in the public interest or public safety.
However, a healthcare professional may feel they face dilemmas as to whether they should report information given to them in confidence. It is important to put the patient’s best interests first, follow agreed working procedures and policies and seek advice from a supervisor or manager. Always act within the boundaries of the law and if in doubt, refer to the Public Interest Disclosure Act for clarity.
It is important to know what an individual’s rights are. For example, you must reassure the patient that they are protected under the law from acts of reprisal or victimisation.
As a healthcare worker, you have the right to report suspected abuse, breaches in safe practices and you will also be protected under the law from acts of reprisal or victimisation.