What is confidentiality in relation to healthcare?

Confidentiality in healthcare refers to the ethical and legal obligation of healthcare providers to protect patients' personal and medical information from unauthorized access or disclosure. It ensures that information shared between patients and providers remains private, fostering trust in the patient-provider relationship. Maintaining confidentiality is essential for patient autonomy and compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Breaches of confidentiality can lead to legal consequences and harm to patients' well-being.