10. An Introduction to Consent, Confidentiality and Anonymity

Question 1

When meeting a patient,

Answer 1

1. Introduce yourself, letting them know your name and that you are a medical student.
2. Ask for consent to having a student present.
3. Dress smartly and in line with dress codes.
4. Be punctual.
5. Be honest with patients if you don’t know the answer to their questions.
6. Don’t diagnose or give opinions.
7. Don’t go if ill.
8. Thank the patient.
9. Never disclose patient identifiable information without the patient’s consent.

Question 2

Define “consent”.

Answer 2

Consent is the principle that a person must give their permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination.

Question 3

Define “confidentiality”.

Answer 3

Keeping identifiable patient information private.

Question 4

Define “anonymity”.

Answer 4

The person cannot be identified (from the given information).