The Evaluation of patients' opinion on confidenciality in hospitals

Abstract

Introduction Confidentiality is one of the core duties of medical practice. Confidentiality is important to maintain privacy, security and trust in personal and professional relationships. Patients are more likely to trust and divulge personal information to their doctor if they believe he can maintain privacy. Confidentiality is valued and expected in any situation where sensitive information is accessed or shared. Breaking the rules of confidentiality by releasing private information to the wrong entity can cause discord, broken trust and even lawsuits between parties. In rare cases, a medical provider can break a confidentiality agreement with the permission of the patient, or when required by law. Purpose/Methods A survey was performed in four randomly selected hospitals of Kaunas county, Lithuania in 2013. The study included all patients, who were undergoing treatment in the Departments of Internal Diseases and Surgery on the day of the inquiry. In total, 382 questionnaires were distributed (response rate – 69.1%). Results Confidentiality of the health information was of high concern to one third (35.2%) of respondents. For the rest of the respondents (16.9%), the issue of confidentiality was important partially. Less than one tenth (8.1%) said, their confidential health information might be disclosed to others without their consent. The patients with the most concern in their health information confidentiality were treated in the smallest hospital, with 150 beds. There, more than half (56.7%) of the patients stated that handling of their health information by the doctor and other medical staff should be protected. Conclusions The research showed, for one third of the respondents (35.2%) it was important that their confidential health information is protected. A small proportion of patients (8.1%) said that their confidential health information was disclosed and the highest number of such cases was reported in the smallest hospital.