Privacy refers to the right of patients not to disclose the information regarding their health status. Information can only be disclosed after receiving permission from the patient. However, the increasing technological advancements in the clinical environments, maintaining a patient’s confidentiality and trust can be a difficult task. Despite the fact that the new computer age and electronic messaging has become faster and more efficient, it may not be secure. The information may be sent to the wrong party or the security can be hacked. Some patient information is barred from faxing to external institution in the absence of proper authorization, for instance sending genetic results using the fax machine in the absence of proper authorization (Chalmers & Muir, 2013). There are some consequences of breaching the patient’s confidentiality and privacy. It fails to respect the patient’s autonomy. It also acts as a form of betrayal. All patients have a right to privacy as shown by common law and other areas that have been indicated by statute law (Milholland, 2014). If the patient is convicted that their privacy or confidentiality has been breached, they can exhibit their grievance in various ways. Criminal proceedings can be instated on the suspects; there can be civil proceeding where the suspect r institution may be required to pay patient compensation. Furthermore, disciplinary proceedings can occur against the suspects. If the doctor or nurse has been found guilty of privacy breach, their names may be struck off. The confidentiality of patient is a very sensitive issue that all healthcare service providers should respect. Technological advancements have come up with new, faster and efficient ways of communication that may not be secure enough. Some information such as the genetic results or HIV test results should not be sent using the fax machine in the absence of the required authorization. If the privacy is breached, there are various consequences according to the law.
References
Chalmers, J., Muir, R. (2013). Patient privacy and confidentiality BMJ, 326(7392), 725-726 Milholland, D. K. (2014). Privacy and Confidentiality of Patient Information: The Challenges for Nursing. Journal of Nursing Administration, 24(2), 19-24.
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