Which action is appropriate when sharing patient information to support treatment, without compromising confidentiality?

Which action is appropriate when sharing patient information to support treatment, without compromising confidentiality?

• A. Copy chart to friends
• B. Sending to a family member without consent
• C. Posting on social media
• D. Showing to a consulting specialist

Answer: (D)

Sharing patient information should be limited to those who are directly involved in care and needed to support treatment, and always protect confidentiality. Showing information to a consulting specialist fits this, because the consultant is part of the care team and needs the relevant details to provide expert input and improve treatment. Information should be limited to what is necessary and shared through secure, appropriate channels, respecting the patient’s privacy. Copying a chart to friends, or sending it to a family member without consent, or posting anything about the patient on social media, would expose private health information to people who don’t need it and violate confidentiality. Those actions don’t support treatment in a legitimate, lawful way. So, providing the consulting specialist with access to the necessary information is the appropriate, ethical choice to aid treatment while preserving confidentiality.

Sharing patient information should be limited to those who are directly involved in care and needed to support treatment, and always protect confidentiality. Showing information to a consulting specialist fits this, because the consultant is part of the care team and needs the relevant details to provide expert input and improve treatment. Information should be limited to what is necessary and shared through secure, appropriate channels, respecting the patient’s privacy.

Copying a chart to friends, or sending it to a family member without consent, or posting anything about the patient on social media, would expose private health information to people who don’t need it and violate confidentiality. Those actions don’t support treatment in a legitimate, lawful way.

So, providing the consulting specialist with access to the necessary information is the appropriate, ethical choice to aid treatment while preserving confidentiality.