Physicians' Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Related to Patient Confidentiality and Data Sharing

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Healthcare Law
• Physician Education

Background:

• Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical healthcare delivery.
• Physicians' understanding and application of data sharing and confidentiality principles are critical.
• This study investigates physician knowledge and attitudes concerning patient data protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physicians' knowledge levels regarding patient confidentiality.
• To evaluate physicians' attitudes towards data sharing and confidentiality.
• To identify factors influencing physicians' knowledge and attitudes in this area.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, questionnaire-based study design was employed.
• Physicians were recruited via email to complete a survey.
• The survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and demographic characteristics related to patient confidentiality.

Main Results:

• 221 physicians participated, with varying experience and specialties.
• Knowledge scores averaged 7.34/14, positively correlating with pro-confidentiality attitudes (r²=0.282, p<0.001).
• Undergraduate courses were the primary source of ethical knowledge; sex, marital status, and consultation source predicted knowledge, while experience, sex, marital status, and ethical dilemma frequency predicted attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Physicians across departments exhibit insufficient knowledge of patient confidentiality aspects.
• Observed physician practices varied, with some complying with regulations and others breaching patient confidentiality.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced medical education on patient data protection and ethical conduct.