Communication Skills Past Paper PDF - 23/11/2023

Confidentiality and Privacy D R. S R WA R. R A S U L C O M M U N I C AT I O N S K I L L S SEMESTER 3 WEEK 8 23/11/2023 Outline Introduction Difference between confidentiality and privacy Importance of confidentiality in healthcare setting Challenges to Confidentiality and Privacy in Healthcar...

Confidentiality and Privacy D R. S R WA R. R A S U L C O M M U N I C AT I O N S K I L L S SEMESTER 3 WEEK 8 23/11/2023 Outline Introduction Difference between confidentiality and privacy Importance of confidentiality in healthcare setting Challenges to Confidentiality and Privacy in Healthcare Exceptions to Patient Confidentiality  Objective Confidentiality and privacy are fundamental principles in healthcare communication that protect the personal information of patients. This lecture will explore the meaning of confidentiality and privacy in healthcare, the laws and regulations governing them, and their importance in maintaining trust between patients and healthcare provider. Confidentiality The principle that information shared by a patient with a healthcare provider will not be disclosed to anyone without the patient's consent. This includes information about the patient's medical history, current medical conditions, treatments, and personal information.  Confidentiality Is defined as the ethical principle or legal right that a physician or other health professional will hold secret all information relating to a patient, unless the patient gives consent permitting disclosure. In health and social care confidentiality is keeping sensitive information private and respecting someone’s wish.  Importance of confidentiality in Health A. Maintaining Trust Patients need to trust their healthcare providers in order to share sensitive information. Breaching confidentiality or privacy can damage the patient-provider relationship and discourage patients from seeking care.  Importance of confidentiality in Health B. Protecting Patient Rights Patients have a right to control access to their personal information. Confidentiality and privacy protect this right and allow patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.  Importance of confidentiality in Health C. It Preserves the Doctor’s and nurse’s Reputation Leave healthcare provider a good review online or speak highly of them in the community D. The Law Requires Patient Confidentiality Challenges to Confidentiality and Privacy in Healthcare 1. Electronic Health Records allow for greater efficiency and coordination of care, but also raise concerns about the security of patient information. Health systems must take extra precautions to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of EHRs  Challenges to Confidentiality and Privacy in Healthcare 2. Data Breaches and Cybersecurity The increasing reliance on technology in healthcare also increases the risk of data breaches and cybersecurity threats. Health systems must be prepared to prevent and respond to these threats in order to maintain patient trust and protect patient information.  Examples of Confidentiality in Healthcare setting Details of health – if a service user discusses their health or condition with you but doesn’t want other service users to know, you have a duty to keep that information confidential. For example, if a service user asks you about another service user’s health, you should inform them that you cannot discuss other service user’s conditions.  Examples of Confidentiality in Healthcare setting Personal details – information regarding a service user’s name, address, age, bank details and more, should be kept confidential. This information should only be shared with individuals that need to know, for example, the service user’s doctor.  SCENARIO 1: VOICEMAIL MESSAGES Many practices need to leave a HIPAA-compliant voicemail on patients’ phones. Voicemails help inform clients of upcoming appointments or that their test results are ready. But, if the wrong person hears the voicemail, this could lead to a breach of confidentiality. Due to that risk, medical professionals usually keep their message vague. They mention the patient’s name, the doctor’s name and the name of the practice, and a call back number. They don’t include appointment dates or times or specifics regarding procedures or tests conducted. Including as little identifying information as possible on a patient voicemail decreases further decreases the risks associated with patient confidentiality. SCENARIO 2: PATIENT VISITORS Healthcare providers need to take caution when discussing PHI in front of visitors. For example, a doctor could accidentally disclose private information in front of a patient’s visitors. Not a big deal…unless of course the patient didn’t want the people visiting them to know those details. How do you navigate this scenario? SCENARIO: PATIENT VISITORS Healthcare providers need to take caution when discussing PHI in front of visitors. For example, a doctor could accidentally disclose private information in front of a patient’s visitors. Not a big deal…unless of course the patient didn’t want the people visiting them to know those details. How do you navigate this scenario? Consent. Simply alert patients when they’re about to discuss PHI. This gives the patient a chance to excuse visitors from the room. Patient consent is a good business practice many healthcare providers have to prevent a lawsuit. Examples of Exceptions to Patient Confidentiality SCENARIO: WANTING TO HARM SOMEONE Many patients who regularly see a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist suffer from behavioral ailments. If a patient reveals that they intend to harm someone, their mental health professional can legally disclose information about their patient to protect the individual in danger. The mental health professional legally needs to protect the public from a valid, perceived threat. SCENARIO : CHILD ABUSE If a healthcare provider finds concerning marks, bruises, or injuries, they’re legally obliged to contact the authorities. If a child’s well-being is in danger, a healthcare professional needs to breach patient confidentiality to protect the patient. References Sully, and Dallas. Essential Communication Skills for Nursing and Midwifery, 2nd ed., Elsevier Health Sciences, 2010. Reid, G., Luthi, A., Shapcott, J. and Gault, I., 2016. Communication in nursing and healthcare: a guide for compassionate practice. Communication in Nursing and Healthcare, pp.1-192.