PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY, MAINTAINING: AN OVERVIEW

Course overview

Patient confidentiality, the right of the patient to expect that information about his or her physical and mental health is available only to healthcare professionals directly involved in the patient¿s care, is a fundamental to the patient-nurse relationship and is intended to protect the patient¿s right to privacy (i.e., the freedom one has from accessibility, interference, intrusion, or observation of those who have not been granted permission; the right to be left alone). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of patient confidentiality including its importance in clinical care and strategies for maintaining strict patient confidentiality. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.