Invasion of Privacy

The legal concept of invasion of privacy involves a person’s right to be left alone and remain anonymous if he or she chooses. Consent for treatment does not waive the right to privacy. Privacy-related concerns may include the physical exposure or disclosure of patient information to others. When providing care, the nurse should protect the patient from unnecessary exposure with the use of drapes and remember to close the door or use available signage to restrict admission to rooms during procedures as needed. Calls and inquiries concerning the patient should be handled with care. Providing information to callers can result in a breach in confidentiality. Calls should be referred to the charge nurse or available family members. Nurses frequently take notes during change of shift report. These notes should be closely monitored during the shift. Report sheets and communication tools should be destroyed at the end of the shift before the nurse leaves the worksite. Use of any patient information (name, photograph, specific facts regarding an illness, and so on) without authorization is a violation of the patient’s legal rights. Safeguard the patient’s right to privacy at all times.