Consent and Confidentiality

Question 1

Give 3 ethical reasons why confidentiality is important

Answer 1

• trust depends on it
• patient has a right to privacy
• need confidential system to optimise healthcare
• common, civil law & GMC require it

Question 2

Give examples when confidentiality must be breached/tell government.

Answer 2

• birth/death notifications
• notifiable diseases
• poisonings/serious work incidents
• terrorism
• fertility treatment, abortion

Question 3

Common law states that confidentiality is a balance between:

Answer 3

• Public interest in Drs keeping confidences

- Public interest in protecting society/indiv. from harm

Question 4

Statute law /HR act states that confidentiality is a balance between:

Answer 4

• Right to respect private/family life

- Right to life and to freedom of expression

Question 5

Where is confidentiality commonly violated?

Answer 5

lifts, canteens, corridors, wards, printers, social media