What does breaching confidentiality involve?

Breaching confidentiality involves sharing information about a patient's history or condition without the patient's consent or outside of legally permissible circumstances. This is a significant violation of ethical standards and legal regulations that govern patient privacy, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.

When confidentiality is breached, it undermines the trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective patient care. Patients must feel assured that their personal health information is secure, as this encourages them to disclose necessary information for their diagnosis and treatment without fear of judgment or exposure.

The other options focus on practices that support patient confidentiality. Protecting patient information and documenting medical records securely are vital to maintaining privacy and adhering to legal and ethical obligations. Maintaining professional ethics in communication ensures that healthcare providers communicate appropriately and responsibly regarding patient information. All these actions contribute to upholding confidentiality, while breaching it directly contradicts these foundational principles.