C3 - DEFINE THE TERM CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality means keeping certain things/ information private.
In HSC, this means keeping patients'/ service users' information safe and only sharing it when you need to.
ALL health and social care settings will have a confidentiality policy and procedure that tells employees what to do
- PROTECT – look after the patient’s information
- INFORM – ensure that patients are aware of how their information is used
- PROVIDE CHOICE – allow patients to decide whether their information can be disclosed or used in particular ways.
Protect:
Procedures to ensure that all staff are fully aware of their responsibilities regarding confidentiality
Recording patient information accurately and consistently
Keeping patient information private
Keeping information physically and electronically secure
Disclosing and using information with appropriate care
Inform:
Check that patients have seen leaflets/ documents around confidentiality
Patients must be made aware that the information they give may be recorded and accessed
Service users must also be told that their information may be shared in order to provide them with care
Practitioners must inform individuals how their information will be used and clear any queries
Patients should be given the opportunity to access their health records
Provide choice:
Practitioners must ask before using personal information that does not directly contribute to someone's care
Individuals should be given the right to restrict disclose of information
Practitioners should ensure that service users understand are aware of the implications of sharing/ restricting information
What needs to be kept confidential? Data
Names
Addresses
Phone numbers
Medical records
Care plans
Treatment plans et cetera......
How to maintain confidentiality?
Policies in an organisation
Regular training
Updating passwords
Online privacy setting - emails
Meet current legislation
Et cetera......