Confidentiality

ABSTRACT Issues of confidentiality are complicated by the relationships we have to patients and others who have valid interests in the confidential information. There are no straightforward answers to problems which involve complex relationships and sensitive information. The best we can do is to think thoroughly and carefully about the issues in each case, and use our knowledge of the people involved to reach a decision. Doctors faced with difficult decisions of this kind should be assured that everyone finds them difficult. Sharing the burden with experienced colleagues can be helpful.