What are my obligations in relation to confidentiality?
As a doctor in training the care you give to patients must:
- be responsive to their needs,
- be equitable,
- respect their human rights,
- challenge discrimination,
- promote equality, and
- maintain the dignity of patients and carers.
As part of your contract you must understand, accept and agree to be bound by the principle of confidentiality and safeguarding of patient records data as detailed in your contract (Hospital section 18; General Practice section 15). You are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that any personal data concerning patients, will be kept confidential. Patients must not be discussed with other professionals outside the clinical setting, except anonymously. When recording data or discussing cases outside the clinical setting patients should not be identifiable by others. All confidential data, including electronic, must be used in accordance with employer and placement Board Policies and Procedures ensuring data is created, used and managed securely.