Ayelech is a health exctention worker's ,accidentally discloses a patients private information to a colleague who s not involved in the patients care .the patient hears about the breach and is upset.

Question

1 What ethical issues is breached?
2 what are the ethical principle's should do here?
3 what is your recommendations ?

Answer 1

This scenario involves several ethical issues regarding patient confidentiality and professional conduct. Let’s break down the concerns:

1. Ethical Issues Breached:

• Breach of Confidentiality: The primary ethical issue is the violation of the patient's confidentiality. Health care workers have a fundamental duty to protect patient information, and disclosing a patient’s private details to someone who is not involved in their care is a serious breach.
• Trust and Professional Integrity: Patients trust healthcare providers to keep their information secure. This breach undermines that trust and can have detrimental effects on the patient's willingness to seek care in the future.
• Respect for Autonomy: By disclosing personal information without consent, the patient's autonomy is compromised. Patients have the right to control who accesses their personal health information.
• Respect for Professional Standards: Health extension workers and all healthcare professionals are expected to adhere to ethical codes and standards that prioritize patient privacy.

2. Ethical Principles to Follow:

• Confidentiality: Uphold the principle of confidentiality by ensuring that patient information is only shared with those directly involved in their care.
• Nonmaleficence: Avoid causing harm to patients. This includes emotional distress caused by the unauthorized sharing of their private information.
• Beneficence: Act in the best interest of the patient, which includes protecting their private information and maintaining their trust.
• Respect and Dignity: Treat patients with respect and protect their dignity by safeguarding their personal information.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for one’s actions, especially when a mistake affecting a patient’s privacy has been made.

3. Recommendations:

• Apologize and Acknowledge the Breach: Ayelech should directly apologize to the patient, acknowledge the mistake, and explain the situation to help re-establish trust. An acknowledgment of the feelings involved in this breach is crucial.

• Inform Supervisors: Ayelech should report the breach to a supervisor or higher authority within the healthcare facility’s framework. Transparency about the incident is important for accountability and corrective action.

• Review Confidentiality Policies: Ayelech and the staff should review their workplace policies regarding patient confidentiality and privacy laws to understand better the importance of these regulations.

• Training and Education: Participation in or promotion of additional training on patient confidentiality and ethical responsibilities should be organized for all staff to prevent future breaches.

• Patient Support Services: Offer the patient the opportunity to speak with a counselor or a patient advocate to address their feelings about the breach and discuss any concerns they may have regarding their care.

By taking the above steps, Ayelech can demonstrate commitment to restoring the patient’s trust and ensuring that similar breaches do not occur in the future.