What does it mean for information to be kept confidential?

Keeping information confidential means that it is held in confidence, which implies that it is not shared with unauthorized individuals and is protected to maintain privacy. In the context of health science, confidentiality is crucial to uphold trust between patients and healthcare providers. Personal health information must be safeguarded to ensure patients feel secure in disclosing sensitive information, which is necessary for effective treatment.

Maintaining confidentiality involves procedures and policies that limit access to information only to those who need it for legitimate purposes, such as medical treatment or administrative functions, and ensures that anyone handling such data understands the importance of privacy and security. Thus, the focus on holding information in confidence aligns with ethical standards and legal requirements in health care and other fields.