Why is confidentiality important and when might it be broken?

Confidentiality essentially concerns the privacy of a patient's personal/identifiable details, with information only being given on a need-to-know basis to relevant professionals and ensuring the patient is aware of this. It is important because it improves trust, the information given may be sensitive and it is also important when considering safeguarding of vulnerable people (children and older people).
It may be broken if: The patient consents (e.g. for a study), it is of benefit to a patient lacking capacity (e.g. discussing with relatives to act in best interests), it is required by law (e.g. notifiable disease, birth), or it is in the interest of a single person or the general public (HIV, STIs, TB).

SY
Answered by Soonyiu Y. Medical School Preparation tutor

1428 Views

See similar Medical School Preparation Mentoring tutors

Related Medical School Preparation Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

How do I approach a role play station in MMI interviews?


How do distinguish myself from the rest when applying to medical school?


You are working on a ward round when your fellow junior doctor slurs some of his words. You are concerned but am uncertain on what to do. Later on , you can smell the alcohol on him. How do you deal with this?


If you don't get into medical school what will you do?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences