Explain the term ‘confidentiality’

Qualification: Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care
Unit name: Communication in Care Settings
Learning outcome: 4. Be able to apply principles and practices relating to confidentiality at work
Assessment criteria: 4.1 Explain the term ‘confidentiality’

Confidentiality is an important responsibility for health and social workers.

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It means ensuring that personal information is kept secure and private and may only be accessed by authorised persons.

For example, an individual may not want others to know about their health conditions. As a care worker, you need this medical information to perform your role correctly, however, you should not share it with others without the individual’s consent (even with their own family if they expressly ask you not to).

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By maintaining confidentiality, you demonstrate respect for the people that you work with and this can help to build a bond of trust. It is also an important legal obligation.

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