Theme 2: Confidentiality

Question 1

What is confidentiality?

Answer 1

A duty of confidentiality arises when information is obtained in circumstances where it is reasonable for a person confiding personal information to expect that it will be held in confidence by the recipient of the information

Question 2

What is confidentiality in the NMC code?

Answer 2

5 Respect people’s right to privacy and confidentiality

As a nurse, midwife or nursing associate, you owe a duty of confidentiality to all those who are receiving care. This includes making sure that they are informed about their care and that information about them is shared appropriately.

5.1 respect a persons right to privacy in all aspects of their care

5.2 make sure that people are informed about how and why information is used and shared by those who will be providing care

5.3 respect that a person’s right to privacy and confidentiality continues after they have died

5.4 share necessary information with other health and care professionals and agencies only when the interests of patient safety and public protection override the need for confidentiality

5.5 share with people, their families and their carers, as far as the law allows, the information they want or need to know about their health, care and ongoing treatment sensitively and in a way they can understand

Question 3

What are the key principles in safeguarding vulrable people?

Answer 3

1. Recognise
2. Respond
3. Report
4. Record
5. Refer