If you work with sensitive information, whether it’s a client’s financial data or a patient’s medical records, you know that maintaining confidentiality is critical. Both businesses and individuals have the responsibility to keep this information secure. But what are some different fields that require strict confidentiality protocols? And what are some ways that people working in these fields protect their customers’ and patients’ information? Here are a few examples.

Confidentiality in the Medical Field

Patient confidentiality is protected by law and is essential for doctors and anyone who comes into contact with patient medical records. Information about a patient’s conditions, medications, and medical history shouldn’t be shared with any unauthorized parties and is strictly confidential. Hospitals and doctor’s offices should put into place protocols for dealing with and storing such information. When patient privacy is respected, patients feel more comfortable with their doctors and know that they can be trusted. This confidentiality extends to therapists and counselors as well. They should never share information about a patient with anyone, and even if they were to meet a patient in a social setting, they wouldn’t reveal their patient/therapist relationship to others.

Confidentiality in the Legal Field

Lawyers are also under the obligation to keep client information confidential. Law firms should keep case information and files stored securely and invest in cybersecurity software to keep digital files safe. It’s also important to maintain work and personal communications apart by using a work email and phone number. When it’s necessary to share files or documents with sensitive information, lawyers and their teams create a redacted document that eliminates any confidential information.

Confidentiality in Human Resources

For those that work in HR, confidentiality is a part of their job. Working in HR requires dealing with employee data like bank details and contact information. Besides keeping this information confidential, someone working in an HR department wouldn’t discuss company information regarding new products or layoffs. Keeping their work computers secure and sensitive files locked up is also vital to maintaining confidentiality.

Tips For Maintaining Confidentiality

If you work in one of these or another field that requires you to maintain information confidential and protected, what can you do to make sure you’re fulfilling your obligations? Here are some tips to help you.

1. Use confidentiality agreements. Confidentiality agreements can help you keep your client’s and businesses’ data safe. Also known as a non-disclosure agreement, a confidentiality agreement can be used in many different situations to ensure that a person won’t share private information with others. For example, you can have employees and contractors sign an agreement that they won’t share information about the company’s business strategies or products in development. If you sign a confidentiality agreement, make sure you fully understand and comply with it.
2. Protect the information in your care. If you work with sensitive information, do your best to keep it secure. For example, never leave medical records or private documents lying on a desk or in a place where unauthorized people have access to them. To keep client or patient data safe, always store confidential documents in a locked, secure place. When it comes to digital files, make sure your computer is secure and locked with an encrypted password. Use cybersecurity software to prevent cybercriminal attacks that could leave sensitive data exposed.
3. Use secure methods to communicate. If you must send confidential documents or information, make sure you use a safe, encrypted platform. When talking to patients or clients on the phone, avoid doing so in public places or when people are nearby. Find a quiet spot or close your office door. This way, you will ensure that no one hears something they weren’t supposed to.
4. Train your staff. If you have employees that deal with confidential information, you need to provide them with the proper training. Before making them responsible for handling sensitive data, make sure you do a thorough background check. Set up regular training programs and refreshers so that your team is always aware of the best practices to use when it comes to confidentiality. Your company or practice is only as strong as its weakest link, so make sure everyone is doing their part to protect clients’ or patients’ data.

Dealing with clients’ sensitive data and private information is a part of many jobs. If it’s a part of yours, you need to understand the great responsibility and obligation you have to protect this information and not violate the privacy of others. Whether you work in a hospital, a lawyer’s practice, or in HR, get to know the best practices of confidentiality for your role. Follow the tips outlined in this article to ensure that you’re doing everything possible to maintain confidentiality. Your clients or patients will respect and trust you more, and you’ll earn a good reputation in the community.