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Confidentiality PDF Print E-mail
ImageIf you are working in a small community, it is possible that your patients and their families and friends will share the same social network as you.  Discussion about your patients is almost inevitable. Maintaining confidentiality in these circumstances is important, even if it is socially awkward.  

It is possible that you will encounter social pressure on you to reveal information (e.g. “We all know each other here, I’m only concerned for Gary as a friend”).   Given that many of your patients’ friends and neighbours will also be your social contacts this pressure can be compelling, especially when trying to fit into a new community.  Despite this, you must stay aware your responsibility to your patients.

It is always possible that, despite your best efforts, information will leak out.  People in rural towns can be connected to each other in ways you do not expect and gossip can spread quickly.  Whereas in the city, one of the clinic staff discussing their day with their partner would probably not have negative ramifications, it can be different in a small country town.