What does the principle of confidentiality mandate regarding patient information?

The principle of confidentiality mandates that patient information must remain private and can only be shared with members of the healthcare team who are directly involved in the patient's care. This principle is fundamental to building trust between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals feel safe to disclose personal and sensitive information without fear of unauthorized sharing. It helps protect patients' privacy rights and adheres to legal and ethical standards in healthcare.

The necessity for confidentiality contributes to a patient's autonomy and dignity, allowing them to maintain control over their personal health information. Exceptions to this rule exist, such as in cases where there is a risk of harm to the patient or others, but generally, patient information is safeguarded within the relevant healthcare context.