Dr. Eboni Green
October 1, 2023
As a medical professional, you understand the urgency behind ensuring your patient’s information is in good hands. With the world becoming more reliant on digital software, many facilities have put cybersecurity at the top of their priority list. According to Medical Economics, over 48 million North Americans have already been affected by a data breach within the first half of 2023.
It’s essential to remember the laws and regulations to ensure your patient’s information is secure. Along with understanding the laws, rules, and standards that your facility should adhere to, how can you do your part to keep your client’s information safe? Here are three ways to maintain patient confidentiality in nursing.
Offering regular reminders to your staff about the importance of patient confidentiality is a great way to prevent accidents. Everyone in your facility should attend these trainings, including administrative staff and doctors. These trainings will reinforce your facility’s standards and remind employees of the laws and consequences around patient confidentiality. These trainings should be a safe space for your team to ask questions and learn more about how they can keep patient information safe—making it an overall positive experience.
Another way to maintain patient confidentiality is by enforcing a no-mobile phone policy. Nurses, doctors, and staff should avoid using personal mobile devices in patient areas. Doing so will ensure that no one is leaking or recording sensitive information about the patients you care for. Regularly reminding your staff and providing phone lockers or charging areas are ways to prevent phones on the floor.
While medical professionals are heading towards a more digital world, that doesn’t mean someone can’t gain someone’s private information. Nurses must be extra cautious when handling documents or relaying verbal messages to their colleagues. Ensure you equip your staff team with confidential clipboards and designated areas to place sensitive documents.
Nurses should talk privately when communicating with one another about a patient’s treatment. Electronic devices should enable password protection and have a privacy screen to discourage wondering eyes. Your digital equipment should also have cybersecurity software packages in place to prevent hacks.
