PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

What is patient confidentiality?

Patient confidentiality supports the needs of both

patient and physician. It protects patients from
having their data misused. It also serves the
physicians’ best interests.

potential to
share
inaccurate
data

if the patient data

Sharing inaccurate or
comes from a system
outdated data could
that does not have the
negatively impact patient
most recent or corrected
care and increase the
version of the test result,
legal risks and liabilities
then the accuracy of the for the end users who
result is compromised. rely on it.

The American Nurses

Association (ANA) believes that
protection of privacy
and confidentiality is essential to
maintaining the trusting
relationship
Improved clinical care between health care providers
and patients and integral to
Clinicians understand that professional practice
sharing patient data can (ANA, 2015a). ANA supports

improve the quality of care legislation, policies and

standards that protect
provided to patients
individually identifiable health
information.

WHY IS PATIENTCONFIDENTIALITY
IMPORTANT?
1. Patient Confidentiality Protects the Patient and
Others
2. Prevents Discrimination
3. Patient Confidentiality Builds Trust
4. Preserves the Doctor’s Reputation
5. Law Requires Patient Confidentiality