Question

You have begun working for Dr. Wong as a dental assistant. You know that confidential papers, case histories, and the appointment book should be kept from curious eyes to protect patients, as well as the dentist and office staff. The receptionist does not always follow these practices, however, and insists this involves no ethical issues with any of the patients. Is there anything you can do to protect your patients’ privacy?

Answer 1

The patient health records, confidential papers and the appointment book are very important to maintain inn the healthcare sector. Not only just for patients confidentiality but also for hospital audits. These practices should be mandatory to be followed by the assigned member. If not, as a nurse we have to cross check the daily routine works and should supervise the receptionist.  

Patient health records are held in both paper and computer forms and we have to maintain for future reference.

It is a legal duty to keep information about your patient is confidential. Generally, only those members of staff directly involved in providing your care are able to see the information.

The staff details, appointments, treatments, bills, casehistories should be stored electronically and on paper too.

As a nurse we have to follow certain aspects:

• Maintain full and accurate records of the care we provide .
• Keep records about your patient confidential and secure.
• Provide information in a format that is accessible to you.
• Everyday keep an eye on the receptionist weather she/he is following the protocols.
• Guide her to save all the documents in computer on separate folders and it should be secured by given password.
• Generally any health records need to be maintained for 8 years atleast. Also explain the importance of this to the receptionist.
• Every week once in a day check all the records.

By this way we can protect our patients confidential health records and follow the rules, regulations.