Confidentiality
A problem with confidentiality is a common reason for a call to MPS. Around 30% of the calls we receive are about confidentiality and directly related issues.
Doctors at any stage of their career can find themselves faced with a complex situation where confidentiality issues are raised and expert advice is helpful.
This issue of the Medical Protection Society's GP Trainee takes you through the basic principles of confidentiality and highlights some areas to be wary of as you begin working in general practice. We also look at those occasions when, by law, you should breach confidentiality and offer some guidance on the more difficult situations you may face.
Keeping confidences is vital in establishing the trust of patients – if you lose trust you lose your ability to help patients. In a GP practice, closely involved with the local community and with an ongoing relationship with patients, maintaining the trust of patients is vital.