Confidentiality

Overview

Patients, service users, family members, carers etc deserve to have their privacy and personal details/situation respected.

In general, you should not share details about a patient/service user unless the person has given their permission or the sharing is part of the individual treatment/or care planning process, which has been co-produced with the service user/patient themselves.

Patients/service users have the right to know what is detailed within the care/treatment records but, unless authorised to do so, these should not be shared with anyone else outside of the patient’s treatment/care team. A service user/patient may not wish a family member to know their circumstances and the reason why they may be receiving support/advice from yourself.

When talking to a patient/service user about their care, support or advice you are providing, be aware of your surroundings.  Ensure you cannot be overheard, or if in a public place, someone cannot see documents you may have to hand etc.  Similarly ensure you take away with you documentation/information which may contain details about your service user/patient (eg a notebook which you may use to write up your observations or digitally recorded).

Any breaches of confidentiality should be reported in line with your organisation policy as a matter of urgency.

Why is this important

As well as policies covering the storing and sharing of electronic data, there are also standards regarding confidentiality and records management. Maintaining a person’s confidentiality covers far more than written communication. Maintaining confidentiality is a patient’s right and it builds trust and openness in the relationship.  This is also the same for personal information regarding a member of your team and others who support patient care.

Within your contract of employment or training agreement there will be a section which covers your duty to maintain confidentiality whether that relates to your employer or patients and service users who access services.

There may be some  circumstances where you have to breach confidentiality to reduce or prevent the risk of harm the person themselves, or to or from someone else.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and when to seek advice where I may need to breach a confidence in the interests of patient care.