Confidentiality and Privacy in Healthcare

Confidentiality and privacy in healthcare refer to the obligation to protect a patient's personal health information. Healthcare professionals are ethically and legally required to keep details about a patient’s medical history, diagnosis, and treatment private. This trust allows patients to feel safe discussing sensitive issues, knowing their information won't be shared without consent. Respecting confidentiality fosters a respectful relationship between patients and providers, promotes openness in communication, and safeguards individual rights. Breaches of confidentiality can harm patients and undermine the integrity of the healthcare system. Thus, maintaining confidentiality is a cornerstone of medical ethics.