Which practice should be avoided to ensure patient confidentiality?

Which practice should be avoided to ensure patient confidentiality?

• A. Keeping information private
• B. Discussing details in public settings
• C. Using secure communication methods
• D. Ensuring limited access to records

Answer: (B)

Discussing details in public settings is a practice that should be avoided to ensure patient confidentiality because it exposes sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Patient confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, designed to protect an individual’s private health information. When discussions occur in public areas, there is a risk that unintended listeners can overhear personal health details, which violates trust and privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Keeping patient information private, using secure communication methods, and ensuring limited access to records are all essential practices that support and maintain confidentiality in a healthcare environment.

Discussing details in public settings is a practice that should be avoided to ensure patient confidentiality because it exposes sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Patient confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, designed to protect an individual’s private health information. When discussions occur in public areas, there is a risk that unintended listeners can overhear personal health details, which violates trust and privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Keeping patient information private, using secure communication methods, and ensuring limited access to records are all essential practices that support and maintain confidentiality in a healthcare environment.