5.2 confidentiality

Question 1

How do the concepts of privacy and secrecy differ from that of confidentiality?

Answer 1

Privacy and secrecy focus on disclosure

confidentiality is more complex

confidentiality - practices and behaviours that serve to strengthen the trust and confidence between patients and healthcare providers
-special attention paid to the use of info from patients during their care experience

Question 2

What are three fundamental ethical principles that are respected while maintaining confidentiality

Answer 2

respect for persons

optimize outcomes

prevent harm

Question 3

What three domains are respected when confidentiality is said to respect the person?

Answer 3

discretion

fidelity

integrity

Question 4

Give two examples of how maintaining confidentiality can create better clinical outcomes

Answer 4

accurate diagnosis and treatment adherence are both linked to a patient’s trust and confidence in their health care providers

successful diagnostic interview may require patient to disclose sensitive information and they are more likely to do this if they are confident and trusting of their provider

Question 5

What are three basic acts involved in maintaining confidentiality with clients?

Answer 5

1. Establish and follow organizational practices that effectively respect confidentiality
2. Be clear and explicit with patients and families about the principles and practices related to confidentiality in your practice environment
3. Immediately inform patients when breaches of confidentiality occur and take action to mitigate the damages caused by such breaches