Confidentiality in medical practice

Abstract

A patient's personal information can only be disclosed to those involved in their care if consent to such disclosure is given. This consent normally extends implicitly beyond medical staff to other professionals who may also be involved in care. It also commonly includes administrative, secretarial and managerial staff as well as healthcare professionals. This constitutes the duty of confidentiality. In certain specified circumstances, a patient's otherwise confidential information may be disclosed without consent to allow benefits to particular others. The legal position is complex, and while doctors should be familiar with most routine situations (e.g. reporting of certain infectious diseases), advice should always be sought if doubt exists.