Patient confidentiality

Patient confidentiality just means your name isn’t in the story, not that your story won’t get told. Also, in some cases, doctors may disclose personal information without breaching duties of confidentiality under certain circumstances, such as when the disclosure is of overall benefit to a patient who lacks the capacity to consent. Legally, a doctor must disclose information if the doctor is ordered to do so by a judge. Also, a patient’s consent to disclose information may be explicit or implied. Explicit consent is given when a patient actively agrees to the use or disclosure of information. Implied consent refers to circumstances in which it would be reasonable to infer that the patient agrees to the use of the information, even though this has not been directly expressed.