Privacy and Confidentiality of Client Health Information - Research Paper Example

Privacy and Confidentiality of Client Health Information Contents 1.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………..3 2.0 Confidentiality …………………………………………………………………………..4 2.1 Disclosure of information …………………………………….…………………………5 2.2 Legality of disclosure ……………………………………………………………………6 3.0 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………….7 References ……………………………………………………………………………………..8 Privacy and Confidentiality of Client Health Information 1.0 Introduction Health information managers have the professional duty to facilitate access and utilization of information for the benefit of the client. However, this should be done while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of client information. It is therefore important to emphasize that health information manager’s role is to act as data steward. In the current world of expanding and sophisticated technology there is need to also advance privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures in regards to information access. A good example of vulnerable client information is where data is mined from different databases that have different information about the client according to Kolodner, Cohn and Friedman (2008). Safe keeping and use of information ensures good flow of relevant records to and from different stakeholders which in turn offers an avenue for maximum utility. Stakeholders in this case include the client themselves, doctors, nurses, relatives and friends among others. This paper outlines relevant information regarding privacy and confidentiality of client information. Medical practitioners, be they nurses, doctors or health information managers are obligated both legally and ethically to safeguard a client’s health information from any undue influence or unauthorized parties as stated by Acker et al. (2007). The primary means through which boundaries are maintained, trust created and client-caregiver relationship built is by considering the rights bestowed on the client and respecting them. This client right to privacy stipulates that they should control how their health information is collected, utilized and revealed. It is important to note that even health organizations have limited rights to client’s information more so regarding how it should be disclosed. This lays huge task on health information managers to ensure that such right is not misused. The most common case when this right is utilized is when the medical team shares health information in order to facilitate delivery of health care to the patient. A typical scenario is where a doctor explains the patient’s actual condition and reason for certain medication to nurses attending to a particular patient (Sanbar, 2007). Such sharing cannot be deemed to be bleaching the client’s right to control disclosure as nurses need to be informed so as to efficiently and effectively deliver heath care. The following is the specific information that one needs to know in regards to client information, its confidentiality, access, disclosure and special considerations. 2.0 Confidentiality Conversations form the most easy way by which client’s health information is disseminated. As such it is an easy means through which the same leaks to unauthorized parties. It is therefore paramount for anybody to be aware of their environment before initializing conversations regarding confidential information about a client. This will definitely avoid people from overhearing such information. Contrary to popular belief, withholding just the name is insufficient to uphold confidentiality (Pozgar, 2008). In this technological world the internet acts as an easy avenue through which unwarranted information passes to the wrong recipients. As such social networking sites, to be specific, should not be used to relay sensitive health care information. When one mentions issues related with time, location and other characteristics in describing a situation it is quite easy to bleach confidentiality even after concealing customer’s identity. Use of mobile phones and other gadgets like cameras also exposes the customer’s information a great deal as one can record their image or voice which can be obviously recognized by unauthorized parties. These gadgets are also capable of posting their recorded footages or voices over the internet. However, such instances of taking this information to other parties without the client’s express consent amounts to serious bleach of their privacy and confidentiality. Research has shown that confidentiality is more at risk in instances where practitioners work and live in the same neighborhoods (Pozgar, 2007). This is made worse when these neighborhoods are in rural settings or small segregated ones in urban locations. In order to deal with the above issues a number of things need to be considered. One should first of all seek guidance from the laid practice standards and available booklets. Discussion with colleagues on matters relating to ethics and confidentiality also helps in addressing certain concerns. It is important to contact the relevant bodies governing ethics and practice in general for guidance and further education and advice. Client records should be kept safely and in a secure location at all times. In their transportation, care is also necessary to avoid losses, theft or access by unintended parties. In instances where electronic means are to be used to store and transfer client information, it is important to ensure safety precautions are in place e.g. use of passwords and logging off after access, desist from using clients’ names and emphasize on use of marks like Confidential to restrict general access (Miller, 2006). It is only natural that at times systems put in place fail subjecting client information to bleach. In these instances such bleach needs to be addressed as fast as possible to avoid further damage. Relevant authorities should also be notified so that corrective measures are undertaken. It is also important to report any bleach from colleagues to authorities. A good point to note is that accessing health information of a client for other purposes other than professional duty amounts to bleach. This encompasses client’s health information of a relative or a friend or any other person for that matter. 2.1 Disclosure of information The two clearest backings for disclosure are that the client has already given an express consent/authority to do so or that it is legally allowed. This can only be contested where disclosure amounts to imminent risk to patient’s health or safety. Before one discloses any information it is important to attest whether the law requires them to do so (Pozgar, 2007). Also evaluate the person to discuss the issue with. Also analyze the imminent risk and the justification behind it. The other issue is to find out how disclosure will be given in the least information possible and to as few people as possible. It is also important to know whether one has enough information and skills to make these choices and whether further advice is necessary. It is also important to recognize the client quite well and their ability to make sound decisions on their own behalf. In case of children, seek consent from either the parent or guardian for decisions. It is important to always have consent before disclosing any information to either relatives or friends in case of adults and sound minded clients. 2.2 Legality of disclosure In order to make any disclosure, guidance is required from relevant legislation governing particular practice. For example, for those children capable of making decisions regarding their health, it is the duty of the practitioner not to disclose any health information even to the parents without the child’s consent. It is only in cases where failure to disclose will amount to high risk and danger on either the client or other people or both that one can go ahead and inform parents or guardians. For instances that require child protection, relevant authorities should be contacted as stipulated in the general guidance. Vulnerability, neglect or abuse cases need to be assessed cautiously so as not to mislead authorities. In overall, information disclosed needs to be as little as possible just to cater for the legal requirements. It is important to answer only the basic facts as one knows them and not from some else’s opinion or impressions from self. It is dangerous to exaggerate facts or draw conclusions regarding matters that have not been officially concluded. It is also unwise to anticipate questions and as such one should only respond to what is asked. However, there are special considerations than need to be followed in exceptional cases. One is that those in private practice need to work within guidelines that serve their practice. Those working on contract basis should refer to their contracts and employers for guidance (Miller, 2006). In case one is doing research it is important to consult ethical guidelines that regulate their particular kind of research. 3.0 Conclusion Provision of health care is always a tricky affair especially when it comes to handling client information. All practitioners require skills and thorough education on what they are required to do in managing client health information. Health information manager in a health facility is particularly responsible for ensuring that any client information is shared or disclosed after following the laid down practice guidelines. Failure to follow them is not only a failure by the health information manager but also the whole institution. Some cases concerning bleaches are quite serious and it is important to respect all clients by handling them within the confines of the set guidelines. In case of children who are not in a position to make their health care decisions, parents or legal guardians may act as decision makers. For adults who are of unsound mind, substitute decision makers may play a part so as to facilitate delivery of efficient health care. References Acker, B., et al. (2007). “HIM principles in health information exchange.” Journal of AHIMA, 78. 69–74. Kolodner, R. M., Cohn, S. P. and Friedman, C. P. (2008). “Health information technology: strategic initiatives, real progress. Health Affairs, 27. w391–w395. Miller, R. D. (2006). Problems in health care law. 9th Edn. Jones & Bartlett Learning. From http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=9Jyggn6MtR4C&pg=PA902&dq=Miller+Problems+in+health+care+law+Jones+%26+Bartlett+Learning&hl=en&ei=OT3HTauOOYuVswbPvuiNDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CEUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Pozgar, G. D. (2007). Legal aspects of health care administration. 10th Edn. Jones & Bartlett Learning. From http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=WNNfGn_yGocC&pg=PA540&dq=Legal+aspects+of+health+care+administration+Pozgar+Jones+%26+Bartlett+Learning&hl=en&ei=wzzHTabaNsuLswaKhqDIDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Pozgar, G. D. (2008). Legal essentials of health care administration. Jones & Bartlett Learning. From http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=FVC1eKni_nUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Pozgar+Jones+%26+Bartlett+Learning+Legal+essentials+of+health+care+administration&hl=en&ei=CT3HTcneFYnPsgaRo_GMDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CFcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Sanbar, S. S. (2007). Legal medicine. 7th Edn. Elsevier Health Sciences. From http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=3tJEEZnkXmYC&pg=PA708&dq=Sanbar+S+S+2007+Legal+medicine+Elsevier+Health+Sciences.&hl=en&ei=NzzHTb_1HsnJswb3uryFDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Read More