Privacy and confidentiality are basic rights in our society. Safeguarding those rights, with respect to an individual’s personal health information, is our ethical and legal obligation as health care providers. Doing so in today’s health care environment is increasingly challenging.
Every nurse understands and respects the need for patient confidentiality. As professionals, our connection to our patients and our colleagues depends on it. But, the truth is, advanced technology, new demands in health care, and developments in the world-at-large, make it more and more difficult to keep this promise. But keep it we must!
As health care workers, we see and hear confidential information every day. Our practice is full of this kind of information. Occasionally, we become so comfortable with patient information that it can be easy to forget how important it is to keep information private.
You must also be careful not to discuss any patient with other patients. For example, the patient in Bed 2 wants to know where his “roommate” has gone.You cannot tell him that he went for X-rays or therapy. You simply need to say, “I’m not sure.” Perhaps the roommate will share this information when he returns, but that’s his business, not yours.The same goes for the status or any other personal information. You simply cannot comment or share.
This can be quite common for home health nurses as well. A friendly neighbor greets you as you enter or leave your patient’s home inquiring about the status of your patient. Technically, you can’t even acknowledge that you are a nurse. You just have to suggest that the inquisitive neighbor call or visit the patient to find out for himself.
On the other hand, if a patient gives you permission to discuss his status or care with hospital roommates or neighbors, then you may do so, but only with those whom he has specifically permitted. You must carefully document the fact that this permission was given and specify what you told this person, and that you have informed the patient of your discussion.
Remember the old adage, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Don’t let your own curiosity ruin your nursing job.
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