How can confidentiality be maintained when dealing with residents' information?

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in long-term care settings to protect residents' privacy and uphold their rights. Sharing information only on a need-to-know basis is the correct approach because it ensures that only those who require access to specific information for the purpose of care and support are privy to it. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized disclosure and helps to build trust between residents and healthcare providers.

By focusing on sharing information only when it is necessary for the provision of care, you also comply with legal and ethical standards, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which mandates strict boundaries around personal health information.

In contrast, sharing information freely with anyone, discussing sensitive information in public areas, or storing records in unsecured locations could lead to breaches of confidentiality, exposing residents to potential harm and violating their rights to privacy.