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Confidentiality is a fundamental right for those receiving care and support. This guide highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality in healthcare and social care settings.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the trust-based relationship between individuals and healthcare support workers. Information should be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis, such as with other care workers involved in the individual’s care.
Do not disclose information to anyone, including family or friends, without explicit permission from the individual. Care must be taken to protect private information from unintentional exposure, whether in conversation or through carelessly placed documents.
In today's digital age, platforms like Facebook and Twitter make information sharing instantaneous. As a health or social care worker, it's vital to use social media responsibly and respect the confidentiality rights of all individuals, including colleagues.
The use of mobile technology at work increases the risks of accidental breaches of confidentiality. Actions such as sharing details about your day, taking or sharing photos or videos without consent, can be disciplinary or even criminal offences.
As a health or social care worker, you have a responsibility to protect individuals' personal information. This includes the personal information of fellow workers. Employers must implement systems to meet legal requirements for information storage, and workers must adhere to these systems and the employer’s agreed ways of working.
