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Confidentiality is one of the oldest and most fundamental principles in medicine. Patients disclose sensitive personal information in the expectation that it will be kept private. Breaching that trust undermines the doctor-patient relationship and can cause real harm. This lesson covers the legal framework, GMC guidance, and practical application of confidentiality — all of which are heavily tested in the UCAT SJT.
Confidentiality is grounded in the ethical principle of autonomy. Patients have the right to control who has access to their personal health information. Without this right, patients may:
If patients do not trust that their information will be kept confidential, they will not be honest with their doctors. Incomplete or inaccurate histories lead to missed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and patient harm.
SJT implication: The SJT expects you to understand that confidentiality is not just a rule — it protects patients and enables effective care.
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