Confidentiality

Question 1

Pharmacy professionals have a professional and legal duty to maintain

Answer 1

confidentiality, safeguarding information obtained during their practice. This obligation applies to all individuals, regardless of age, and continues even after a person’s

Question 2

This duty stems from the inherent trust within the pharmacist-patient relationship, where individuals disclose information with the reasonable expectation that it will be kept private.
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Breaches of confidentiality can damage public trust in pharmacy and healthcare professions, potentially deterring individuals from seeking care or disclosing information necessary for effective treatment

Question 3

What Constitutes Confidential Information?
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Confidential information encompasses a wide range of data, including

Answer 3

Personal details: Name, address, date of birth, etc.
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Medical history: Diagnoses, treatments, medications (prescribed and non-prescribed).
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Other sensitive information: Shared by the individual with the expectation of confidentiality, even if not strictly medical.
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Question 4

Information that is NOT considered confidential:

Answer 4

Anonymized data where individuals cannot be identified.
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Pseudonymized information that allows for distinguishing between individuals without revealing their identities.
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Information already publicly available

Question 5

Protecting Confidential Information
The sources outline practical steps pharmacy professionals must take to protect confidential information:
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Secure storage: Implement measures to protect both electronic and hard copy data from unauthorized access, loss, or damage.
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Data accuracy: Ensure personal data is accurate and updated as necessary.
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Prevent accidental disclosure: Be mindful of surroundings and avoid discussing identifiable information where others can overhear or see it.
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Team awareness: Ensure all staff members understand their responsibilities regarding confidentiality.
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Restricted access: Access confidential information only for purposes related to providing care or other legally permitted reasons.
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Secure disposal: Dispose of confidential information securely and only after necessary retention periods.
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Online professionalism: Avoid disclosing identifiable information on websites, social media, or internet forums.
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Reporting concerns: Report any concerns about inadequate security measures to the data controller or appropriate authorities.

Question 6

Disclosing Confidential Information: When is it Permissible?
While confidentiality is paramount, the sources acknowledge circumstances where disclosure might be necessary. These include:

Answer 6

With consent: The individual gives permission for the information to be shared.
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Required by law: Legal obligations mandate disclosure, such as requests from law enforcement agencies, healthcare regulators, or court orders.
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Public interest: Disclosure is deemed necessary to prevent serious crime, harm to individuals, or public health risks.
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Vital interests: Disclosure is essential to protect the immediate health and well-being of the individual or others

Question 7

Disclosing Information with Consent
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Obtaining consent is crucial unless it would undermine the purpose of disclosure, such as in cases of potential harm.
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The individual must understand:
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What information will be disclosed.
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The reason for disclosure.
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Who will receive the information.
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Potential consequences of disclosure and non-disclosure.
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Explicit consent is required for disclosures that the individual would not reasonably expect.
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Pharmacy professionals must adhere to data protection legislation, which might have additional requirements for valid consent.
Disclosing Information without Consent
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This should be a last resort, undertaken only when:
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Legally required.
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Justified in the public interest and compliant with data protection laws.
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Before disclosing, ensure the request is legitimate and seek clarification if needed.
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Request the disclosure in writing.
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Seek advice from relevant bodies, such as indemnity insurance providers, professional organizations, or legal advisors.
Public Interest Disclosures: A Balancing Act
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Disclosures in the public interest require careful consideration, balancing individual confidentiality against potential benefits for the public or specific individuals.
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Pharmacy professionals must weigh the potential harm of non-disclosure against the consequences of disclosure, including its impact on the individual’s care and trust in healthcare professionals.
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Data protection laws must be strictly adhered to when disclosing information without consent in the public interest