Confidentiality in medical practice

A patient’s personal information can only be disclosed to those involved in his/her care if consent to such disclosure is given. This consent normally extends implicitly beyond medical staff to other professionals who may also be involved in care. It also commonly includes administrative, secretarial and managerial staff as well as healthcare professionals. This constitutes the duty of confidentiality.In certain specified circumstances, a patient’s otherwise confidential information may be disclosed without consent to permit benefits to particular others.