Hello, I am Sajid Malik, a seasoned healthcare professional with a diverse academic background, holding degrees in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN*), Master of Public Health (MPH), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), and a designation as a DHIPC (Diploma in Health Informatics and Patient Care). With a passion for clinical excellence and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. In this commentary article, I delve into a critical issue within the clinical realm — the breach of patient confidentiality by a friend who also happens to be a fellow healthcare practitioner. Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and professional background, I explore the implications of such breaches on patient trust, privacy, and the overall ethical fabric of the healthcare system. Join me in navigating the intricate landscape where personal relationships intersect with the sacred principles of patient confidentiality, as we strive to maintain the integrity of our noble profession.

1. Ethical Quandary
in Patient Confidentiality within
Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Mr. Sajid Hussain Malik
Advance Conc. In Nursing Ethics
Master of Science in Nursing

2. Objectives
Highlight Ethical
Dilemma
Identify Key
Stakeholders and
Concepts
Explore Ethical
Conflict
Understand
Nursing Ethical
Rationale
Examine Decision-
Making and
Counterarguments
Justify Ethical
Decisions
Consider
Consequences

3. Introduction
Description of the Scenario
- Previous work experience at a bustling hospital.
- Ethical quandary: Patient confidentiality in Electronic Health Records
(EHRs).
- Nurse's inadvertent access to a close friend's medical records.

4. Ethical Analysis
Persons
Involved
and Ethical
Concepts
Nurse
Close friend
(patient)
Healthcare
institution

5. Ethical
Concepts
Patient
confidentiality
Obligation to
safeguard
sensitive
information
Faith in the
healthcare
system
Unauthorized access
to a friend's medical
records.
• Possible violation of patient
confidentiality.

6. Ethical Question
How should a nurse
balance professional
duty, including patient
confidentiality, when
accidentally accessing a
close friend's medical
data?
Ethical Issue/Conflict/Dilemma

7. Patient
Confidentiality
in Nursing
Pillar of nursing
ethics
Stresses patient
confidence in
healthcare
practitioners
Challenge:
Balancing
confidentiality
and personal
bonds.
Rationale for Ethical Issue in Nursing

8. Decision and Action
Nurse should immediately:
• Notify supervisor
• Inform hospital's privacy officer
• Take swift action to prevent additional unauthorized access
Position on the Ethical Issue

9. Ethical Soundness
Reporting aligns with ethical principles
of openness and accountability
Preserves healthcare system integrity
Prioritizes patient's well-being over
personal worries
Justification of Position

10. For the Patient and
Others:
Reporting protects
patient anonymity
and maintains trust.
Handling discreetly
jeopardizes patient's
faith in healthcare
professionals and the
institution.

11. Immediate Reporting:
- Follow the hospital’s
privacy breach
process.
- Notify the supervisor
and privacy officer.
- Ensure prompt
inquiry, corrective
measures, and
additional training if
necessary.

12. Education and Prevention
Continuous education on
Electronic Health Record
(HER) access policies
Instill the importance of
reporting breaches
Develop a culture of
transparency and
accountability

13. The ethical quandary
necessitates nurses prioritize:
Professional integrity
Patient confidence
Transparency over personal concerns
Prioritizing Professional Integrity

14. References
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of
Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.
Retrieved from
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-
policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-
nurses/coe-view-only/
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles
of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University
Press.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) of 1996. Retrieved from
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html.