Application of concept analysis to clinical practice - Essay Example

The concept applied in clinical practice is confidentiality. It is an essential element in clinical practice because all aspects of participation of the patient and medical practitioner revolve around confidentiality and consent.The medical practitioner is responsible for ensuring that all medical records are kept in a confidential manner. The reliability of information and data is an important keystone to good medical practices. In most cases, patients are content with undergoing clinical tests as long as they can entrust confidential information and data to medical professionals.

The distinguishing feature of clinical practice is that most of the information affects patients and their family members (Pinch, 2000). Therefore, the principles of data protection and confidentiality are crucial in the provision of services within the healthcare sector. This also gives the patient assurance that the clinical practitioner can reassure privacy. It is vital to note that this is not always assured in the clinical context where results of a clinical test may provide information about the patient and their family members.

For instance in genetics, the results of a clinical test provides information about the patient and his family members. As the scope of clinical trials and practice increases, it is paramount for the clinical practitioner to ensure that information is managed in a proper manner. The management of clinical information may present challenges to healthcare professional and patients. Patients expect clinical professionals to access their medical information, and use their clinical experience and expertise to interpret the information and data in order to provide appropriate medical advice (Brown & Stobart, 2008).

The information used in the clinical context may be private and personal. Intrusion into patient privacy is generally justified by the assumption that the patient has authorized access to the information (Pinch, 2000). The information obtained may generate inferences to other family members. The views of the other family members may be unknown. Additionally, they may disapprove access to such information. This means that the information is generated in confidential circumstances to one individual, but it is significant to other people.

Clinical practice may want to use this data and information to help the patient and other people involved. However, clinical practice is unsure whether it is acceptable within the precincts of confidentiality and data protection. Method of Analysis In this case, the authors of the article examine confidentiality from a theoretical perspective. The article uses concept analysis and clinical based empirical investigations. A review of literature and clinical practices defines consequences, attributes, antecedents and empirical references (Pinch, 2000).

The article relied on the themes from the definitions of confidentiality. These were provided by participants in various projects within the scope of genetics and HIV/AIDS. The method of analysis provides updated guidance on the issues of confidentiality and consent in clinical practice. The method focused on clinical professionals. The methods were resultant features of proposals that focused on the use of clinical tests, trials and results (Pinch, 2000). The method also recognized that the issue of confidentiality in clinical practice was becoming relevant.

Most importantly, the article introduced the principles of confidentiality and consent in clinical practice. This was expanded using clinical cases and illustrations. Steps of the Process The steps for ensuring confidentiality in clinical practice are based on the code of standards of conduct, ethics and performance for midwives and nurses. According to such codes, clinical practice must respect the rights of people to confidentiality. Clinical professionals must also ensure that people are informed about clinical process (Pinch,