Confidentiality in a Care Setting

755 Words4 Pages
Confidentiality means not sharing information about people without their knowledge and agreement, and ensuring that written and electronic information cannot be accessed or read by people who have no reason to see it. Confidentiality is important because clients may not trust a support worker who does not keep information confidential. Clients may not feel valued or able to keep their self-esteem if their private details are shared with others. Client’s safety may be put at risk if details of their property and habits are shared publicly. It is important that information is only shared with people “who need to know”. If you are uncertain whether a person has a right to access information and is requesting information from you, always check with your supervisor or manager. In day to day communication it is strict policy of midstream that you do not discuss any important information about a clients lifestyle or regarding important information as this is their right to remain any of this information confidential and is part of the regulations of The Human Rights Act 1998. Information that has to be kept confidential on a day to day basis can be shared with agreed others on any other basis as a need to know basis, this is if ever an authoritative body needs to get involved such as social services, ambulance, police or any other multi-agency network. The agreed others in which confidential information can be shared on a need to know basis are: Work Colleagues, social workers, occupational therapist, GP, Speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist, pharmacist, nurse, special nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, advocate, dementia care advisor or family and carers. You only need to seek advice about confidentiality if any colleague, family member or non-managerial staff ask about a clients information. To be safe it is important to research this thoroughly by looking
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