Hippocratic Bargain and Health Information Technology

Question: Discuss about the Hippocratic Bargain and Health Information Technology. Answer: Introduction Department Of Health (2003) describes patient confidentiality as the duty of confidence a healthcare provider bears to the information provided by a patient. The authors further mention that the information provided is should only be used to support the patients healthcare. In describing this further, Rothstein (2010) introduces the Oath of Hippocrates which allowed clinicians to provide patient information openly especially in presence of men who were empowered to make decisions for the other members of the community. However, times have changed. The Data Protection Act 1998 provides a legal framework for confidentiality of information. The principles that stand out include: Fair and lawful processing of information. Protection of personal data from theft, damage or loss. That personal data should only be processed for the lawful required purposes. Issues arising in accurate confidentiality of patient records Even with the legal guidelines provided, there are some aspects to confidentiality that need be further addressed. These include: Consent from the patient. Department of Health (2003) highlights that patients are required to provide necessary information that will enable healthcare providers offer them quality care. Clinicians should provide guidelines as to what information required and for what purpose. This way, in case a patient declines to give required information, they will bear no liability. Hassol et al. (2004), they notes that accurate records amount to better medical attention. They however observe that these records are mostly between 65% - 75% accurate which may be attributed to the fact that at times patients provide incorrect information or assume its relevancy. This emphasizes the important of the practitioner performing an orientation. Department Of Health (2003) stresses that it is important to seek consent before using records provided and also respect choices patients make with regards to providing information. That aside since most practitioners share patient records, when seeing a different person, patients should still be asked whether they would like that information to be used. (Rothstein, 2010). Communication by both parties Hassol et al (2004, pg. 505) highlights that good communication between healthcare providers and patients is necessary. Rothstein (2010, pg. 8) further states that in the times of Hippocrates communication mostly occurred in person which was limiting. However, technology has made things swift. It allows patients to schedule appointments, renew prescriptions, share information and clarify where there is doubt via modern forms of communication. (ibid). This also benefits the practitioners as they are allowed to send information beforehand to ensure patients understand procedures and guidelines. Use of personal data by clinicians Department Of Health (2003) introduces the Caldicott Principles which require practitioners to justify why they are sharing patients personal data and also act within the guidelines of the Data Protection Act 2008. Further to that, this information should only be accessed when necessary and there should be minimal identification of the patient to avoid issues such as gossiping. Conclusion To sum it up, confidentiality is the responsibility of healthcare providers. Patient record should be handled in a way that uphold their basic human rights. In handling theses records, practitioners should ask themselves whether their actions are in the patients best interests. List of References Department of Health. (November 2003). Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice. Retrieved January 20, 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/200146/Confidentiality_-_NHS_Code_of_Practice.pdf. Gateway Ref: 1656. Hassol, A., Walker, M, J., Kidder, D., Rokita, K., et al. (Nov / Dec 2004). Patient Experiences and Attitudes about Access to a Patient Electronic Health Care Record and Linked Web Messaging. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association; Volume 11, Number 6. Information Commissioners Office. 8 Data Protection Principles. Retrieved January 20, 2017 from https://ico.oorg.uk/media/1042048/8-data-protection-priciples-postcard.pdf Rothstein, A, M. (2010). The Hippocratic Bargain and Health Information Technology. The Effects of Health Information Technology on the Physician-Patient Relationship. Spring The Data Protection Act 1998. Retrieved January 20, 2017 from www. legislation.gov.uk.