What Would You Do?
A resident in a care home has recently been diagnosed with a serious health condition. They have mental capacity and have clearly said,
“I don’t want everyone knowing my business — just the people who need to.”
However, over the following days, the resident becomes more unwell and occasionally confused. Staff notice changes in their behaviour, eating, and mobility. Some team members feel that sharing more information with the wider staff group would help provide better, safer care.
Others argue that the resident’s wishes about confidentiality must be respected and that information should only be shared on a strict “need to know” basis.
A senior carer says, “If we don’t share enough, we risk getting care wrong. But if we share too much, we break their trust.” WWYD?
It is very dignified and respectful to keep your client's wishes.
But in this case 'just the people who need to know basis' should include those who support with care and wellbeing. Informing the right people despite how many they are, does not break the trust. The lady might be in need of adjusting her diet or mobility equipment, which is a call for all other professionals. If the recent diagnosis does not alter/change the care intervention in place then there will be no reason to share their serious health condition, and should be respected as such