Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the doctor-patient relationship. Patients share deeply personal information — medical history, mental health, lifestyle, relationships — on the understanding that it will be kept private. Breaching confidentiality without justification is both unethical and illegal. However, there are important exceptions where confidentiality can and must be broken.

SJT scenarios frequently test your understanding of when to maintain confidentiality, when to break it, and how to share information appropriately.

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The General Rule: Confidentiality Is the Default

Unless there is a specific reason to share information, keep it confidential. This applies to:

Information type	Examples
Medical information	Diagnoses, test results, treatment plans, medications
Personal information	Address, phone number, employment, relationships
Information shared in consultation	Anything a patient tells their doctor
Information from medical records	Notes, letters, referrals, imaging
Information about attendance	Whether someone has visited a clinic or hospital

The Practical Meaning of Confidentiality