What are the best ways to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy when working collaboratively?

1 Know the rules

Before you disclose any patient information to another professional, you need to know the rules that govern your practice and the practice of the other party. These may include federal, state, and local laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as professional codes of ethics, organizational policies, and contractual agreements. You should also be familiar with the exceptions and limitations of these rules, such as when you need to obtain patient consent, report abuse, or respond to emergencies.

2 Use secure methods

When you communicate with other professionals, you should use secure methods that protect the confidentiality and privacy of your patients. For example, you should avoid using unencrypted email, text, or phone messages, and instead use encrypted platforms, secure networks, or password-protected devices. You should also avoid leaving messages on answering machines, sending faxes to unattended machines, or discussing cases in public places. If you use paper records, you should store them in locked cabinets, shred them when no longer needed, and dispose of them properly.

4 Respect patient preferences

When you share patient information with other professionals, you should respect your patient's preferences and choices regarding their confidentiality and privacy. You should inform your patient about the benefits and risks of interprofessional collaboration, and obtain their consent before disclosing any information. You should also honor their requests to limit or restrict the sharing of certain information, unless it is required by law or necessary for their safety. You should also involve your patient in the decision-making process and inform them about their rights and responsibilities.

5 Document and monitor

When you share patient information with other professionals, you should document and monitor the process and the outcomes of the collaboration. You should keep a record of what information you shared, with whom, when, why, and how. You should also review the record periodically and update it as needed. You should also monitor the feedback and results of the collaboration, and evaluate its impact on your patient's care and goals. You should also report any breaches or errors that may compromise your patient's confidentiality and privacy.

6 Educate and train

When you share patient information with other professionals, you should educate and train yourself and others on the best practices of maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy. You should seek opportunities to learn about the latest laws, standards, and technologies that affect your practice and the practice of your collaborators. You should also provide guidance and support to your colleagues, partners, and students on how to comply with the rules and respect your patient's rights. You should also participate in interprofessional education and training programs that foster communication, trust, and teamwork skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?