Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Degree Practice Exam

Sharing information about a patient on social media platforms such as Facebook constitutes a clear violation of patient confidentiality. Confidentiality in healthcare is a legal and ethical obligation that protects personal health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent. When healthcare professionals share details about a patient on social media, they expose private information to a public audience, which can lead to unauthorized access and potential harm to the patient’s privacy and trust. This action disregards the patient’s right to confidentiality and confidentiality laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which strictly regulate the sharing of health information. In contrast, discussing patient care with the medical team is a necessary part of providing quality care and typically happens within a confidential clinical setting. Storing patient records safely ensures that information is protected and accessible only to authorized personnel. Utilizing patient data for research with consent is a practice that respects patient autonomy and privacy, as it involves obtaining permission from the patient before sharing their information for research purposes. This ensures that the patient’s rights and confidentiality are upheld.