Chapter 4 Key facts checklists

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the doctor–patient relationship and serves to enhance trust.
Patients have the right to control information about their health. Medical information disclosed to health professionals should prima facie remain confidential.
The General Data Protection Regulation regulates processing and free movement of personal data by data controllers and processors.
Duties of confidentiality are owed to infants, children, adults, persons who lack capacity, and the deceased.
The duty of confidentiality engages human rights, contract, equity, and tort law.
Genetic information raises complex confidentiality issues.
The duty of confidentiality is not absolute and may be breached in certain circumstances.