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What does confidentiality really mean?

What does confidentiality really mean?

by Deleted user -
Number of replies: 7

Looking up the word confidential in the dictionary, we find that it means secret or private.  However, the word confidentiality means so much more.  Confidentiality is more about how one conducts themselves on a professional level.

In the medical field, confidentiality is much more than keeping specific patient information secret; it is also about professionalism.  In today's world many only know us through online chat rooms, online forums, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.  Thus, how we conduct ourselves in those venues is how we portray our ability to maintain confidentiality.  

We all understand that one would never talk about a patient specifically, but how often do we see things like "I just don't know how Dr. Munster deals with all those neurotic patients he sees every day," or "Dr. Repeat said that over and over and over again," or "I just did a report and the patient weighed 600 pounds!"  While these examples may not be a true breach of confidence, they definitely display a lack of confidentiality.  

This type of behavior reflects badly on the person stating these things.  I can assure you that employers frown upon such behavior and take notice.  Thus, the easiest way to not have to defend your behavior at some point is to maintain confidentiality/professionalism at all times.  

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Linda Andrews -

This is such a relevant topic! Thank you, Jeanne, for postinig it.

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Deleted user -

You are welcome, Linda.  I have attended several seminars over the years and even took mandatory classes regarding this topic while working in house. Those in-house classes basically stated that anything, and I mean anything, that was seen, read, or heard at the hospital regarding patients was considered confidential.  The consequences for relaying any information to others including coworkers was termination.  Thus, I don't think it can be stressed enough just how far the rules of confidentialy go.  

Here is an example I actually encountered while working in house.  A dear friend of mine's daughter was admitted and taken directly for emergency surgery.  Even though I wanted to be there to support her and/or call her later and offer my support, I was unable to do that. Why you ask? Because my knowing that her daughter was in the hospital was only known to me through my job (I transcribed the H&P).  It wasn't until a week later, after her daughter was discharged, she called me to let me know what had been going on.  Even then, I couldn't say anything that I knew that her daughter had been in the hospital, underwent surgery, etc., for risk of termination. I can tell you that that was one of the hardest weeks I ever endured. However, I understood the consequences and maintained confidentiality. 

Like I stated previously, almost everyone realizes that posting and/or relaying actual patient information such as names, birthdates, etc., is not allowable, but I just don't think enough realize that a lot of other information needs to be kept confidential as well.  I think one good rule of thumb to remember is this:  If you are tempted to say/post something, stop and think "would I want someone saying/posting those details about me or my loved one?"   

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Linda Andrews -

I  had a similar experience with the woman I used to go to breaks with. I was transcribing Emergency Room reports and realized her daughter was in the Emergency Room. I just kept transcribing and blocking it out of my mind. I also didn't go to break.

In another "learning" experience, my cousin brought her child for an x-ray. She didn't understand that, since we were like sisters, that I couldn't give her any results. There was nobody else to transcribe the report, so I did it, trying to block out what I was hearing. She called me. I told her I knew nothing. She didn't believe me. Finally, after a lot of badgering from my beloved cousin, I told her that those reports are complicated and the only time I really understand them is when the doctor says it's a normal report. Next thing I knew, my boss called me in. My cousin's doctor had called him to say that I had told her it was an abnormal report.   ARRRRGH!   That is one good reason NOT to ever be involved in the treatment or reporting of a relative or friend.

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Linda Andrews -

By the way, my goal for a discussion on these things is so you can learn from MY errors. I want you to be smarter than I was and not make the mistakes I made.

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Deleted user -

Even an offhand comment can cause trouble. My neighbor's girlfriend is on a 2-week suspension from work without pay due to an offhand comment that was general in nature. It did not name any patient specifially, but it did disclose information. She works for a plastic surgery office as a medical assistant, I believe. Keeping all comments to yourself is KEY!

I work in a physical therapy clinic in an area of town where I currently live and where I grew up. I know a good 70% of the patient population or their children, or they know my parents or sibilings. Not going back to my family and saying how I saw so-and-so at work is VERY HARD.

Re: What does confidentiality really mean?

by Deleted user -

Thank you for sharing, Abbie.  What you stated is exactly the point I was trying to make; even what you think may not be violating confidentiality is not professional and employers do take note.  Prior to my career in MT, I was an accountant, working for CPAs in small towns where I lived.  Thus, I had the idea of confidentiality ingrained in my brain from an early age.  People get very upset at just the thought of someone having knowlege of their finanical information!