This monograph follows the publication of a series of articles in the British Journal of Nursing on confidentiality. The need for a book for health professionals setting out the law and practice on confidentiality led to Quay Books agreeing that the articles, updated and revised, could form the basis of a concise publication covering the main concerns which arise in respecting the duty of confidentiality.
It is hoped that all registered health professionals (in the book referred to as practitioners for convenience) will find the book of value in their professional work, which involves the protection of the rights of the patient and working within the confines of the law. Trust is at the heart of the health professional/patient relationship, yet many practitioners find themselves in situations where they are torn between their duty of confidentiality to the patient and other duties. Knowledge of the law should assist them in resolving such dilemmas.
