Define Confidentiality.

Confidentiality refers to the ethical and legal obligation to safeguard sensitive information shared by individuals in the context of a professional relationship, such as healthcare, legal counsel, or counseling. It involves the duty to protect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information and restrict its disclosure to authorized individuals or entities without the consent of the individual. In healthcare settings, confidentiality ensures that patients' medical information, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and test results, remains private and is disclosed only to healthcare providers involved in their care. Maintaining confidentiality is essential for fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers, promoting open communication, and respecting patients' autonomy and privacy rights. Confidentiality also helps protect individuals from stigma, discrimination, and other negative consequences that may result from the unauthorized disclosure of their personal information. Healthcare professionals are bound by ethical codes and legal regulations to uphold confidentiality and ensure the confidentiality of patient information is maintained at all times.