CASPer Scenario For Discussion #29

[PrepMatch]

Cheryl is shadowing an oncologist in the hospital. She realizes that one of their patients is her friend's grandfather. Cheryl just found out that the grandfather has late-stage cancer and will probably die in the next few months.​

1. Should Cheryl message her friend?
2. When is it to breach confidentiality in a professional setting?
3. Why is confidentiality important?

Discuss Below !!

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[fluffycookie1231]

1. I understand this can be a difficult situation. For one, Cheryl most likely wants to be supportive of her friend and inform her of the news. However, Cheryl is also breaching HIPAA by informing her friend. In this scenario, I would say that Cheryl should not risk breaching HIPAA and not let her friend know. I understand this is a difficult situation since Cheryl has heard such a difficult news and would like to be supportive of her friend. However, one is unsure how the grandfather would like to share this news, and as a result, by sharing, one may take away his right to share with his family the way he wants to. Therefore, Cheryl should just wait to hear the news from her friend and be supportive and discuss the situation after that without mentioning her (Cheryl) seeing her grandfather in the hospital.
2. Breaching confidentiality is revealing any identifying information to anyone outside of the professional setting. This information can include name, address, time of visit, nick names, what they are visiting for, gender, etc. Breaching confidentiality occurs when one shares private and sensitive information to those who are not involved in the professional setting and who will not help/benefit the individual of that information
3. Confidentiality is important because it builds trust. In the healthcare setting, people are coming in to be treated for situations that they may not be comfortable with or even are embarrassed about. Knowing that this information and situation is being kept between patient and physician and other healthcare workers will often put patient’s more at ease. Moreover, it increases trust of the patient with the physician and allows the patient to be more open about their situation without having to worry their discussion goes beyond them and the healthcare team.

(ignore typos since that does not affect CASPER scoring)