Ethics : Confidentiality

Question 1

When do we have to maintain confidentiality? Why?

Answer 1

• Whenever a patient (or other person) discloses information they can reasonably expect to be kept confidential
• Any information pertaining to patients that is identifiable
  Who? Where/when?
  > Legal - Article 8 of the Human Rights Act
  >moral duty
  >Utalitarian aspect
  >virtue ethics

Question 2

What are the 7 Caldicott principles?

Answer 2

• Principle 1 - Justify the purpose(s) for using confidential information
• Principle 2 - Don’t use personal confidential data unless it is absolutely
  necessary
• Principle 3 - Use the minimum necessary personal confidential data
• Principle 4 - Access to personal confidential data should be on a strict need-to- know basis
• Principle 5 - Everyone with access to personal confidential data should be aware of their responsibilities
• Principle 6 - Comply with the law
• Principle 7 - The duty to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality

Question 3

When is it permissible to breach patient confidentiality?

Answer 3

• WITH CONSENT
• When there is an overriding public interest
• Legal requirement to disclose confidential information in certain circumstances