Discussion Board Response To Alexis

Discussion Board Response to Alexis

[Name of the Writer]

[Name of the Institution]

Discussion Board Response to Alexis

The advancement in technology, such as telehealth, electronic medical databases, social media, and all other internet-based technologies have heightened the chances of both unintentional and intentional breaches of confidential health information (Lavin, Harper & Barr, 2015). Privacy and confidentiality are critical aspects of healthcare and nursing ethics. Every patient has the right to keep his/her confidential/private information secure from the general public, other than the concerned officials. As the number of patients at the hospitals are gradually increasing along with the increase in the latest automated technologies; therefore, many data-theft cases are highlighted continuously within this arena. The case study discussed has indicated a delicate concern of a girl that is under the age of 18 years, who is both physically and sexually abused by her stepfather. The case is highly sensitive and has become in the knowledge of the nurse at the hospital. These cases must be kept highly confidential from the general public, as it would harm the identity of the victim, which could also lead to depression and even suicide. It is the responsibility of RN to secure the position of the victim, i.e. Lora (Young Girl) and provide her secure environment by bringing that issue in the notice of child services and law enforcement agency. RN has to maintain adequate compliance with nursing ethics in which privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance (Olson & Stokes, 2016). It is a must to report the abuse of Lora to the concerned officials to give her protection from all odds, but at the same time, the RN must not disclose that information to anyone else.

I have personally come across such situation as an RN. One day I was at the hospital, and one patient came for her appointment. I did not deal with that patient directly as another RN took her case to the doctor. That RN nurse got the confidential information about that patient that she was getting treatment for STD (Sexually transmitted diseases) at the hospital, which itself is considered as a stigma in the society. So this information must not have been shared with anyone until the concerned person himself/herself shares it. The RN, who took the case to the hospital disclosed the information about that patient with another hospital staff and the patient knew about it the same day that her private information was shared. So in this case, the patient was given the right to claim for data breach damage by the hospital’s administration. The RN was issued a “Show Cause Letter,” and effective actions were taken against her act accordingly, which was fair enough.

References

Lavin, M. A., Harper, E., & Barr, N. (2015). Health information technology, patient safety, and professional nursing care documentation in acute care settings. Online J Issues Nurs, 20(6).

Olson, L. L., & Stokes, F. (2016). The ANA code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements: resource for nursing regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 7(2), 9-20.