Confidentiality: In-depth

Summary

All service users are entitled to expect confidentiality in all matters and for their permission to be obtained whenever private information needs to be made available to others (excepting that information necessary to staff to provide proper care). This not only applies to information given by a service user but also to third-party information and information kept on file.

The registered manager is responsible both for the maintenance of the service’s confidentiality policy and for taking action to address alleged or suspected breaches of the policy.

This topic discusses good practice on confidentiality: how to deal with breaches of confidentiality, how to communicate a confidentiality policy to service users and staff and the circumstances in which it is acceptable to share and disclose confidential information.