Privacy and Confidentiality in Healthcare

Privacy in healthcare refers to a patient's right to control their personal health information and who can access it. Confidentiality is the duty of healthcare providers to protect this information from unauthorized disclosure. Together, they ensure that sensitive details, such as medical history and treatment plans, are kept safe from public view. This protection helps build trust between patients and healthcare professionals, encouraging open communication necessary for effective care. Laws and regulations, like HIPAA in the U.S., set strict guidelines for handling and sharing healthcare information to maintain individuals' privacy and confidentiality.