Privacy policy
Privacy is the freedom from intrusion, and dignity is being worthy of respect.
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Aim
To achieve high standards of patient dignity and to put patient experience high on the agenda.
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Objectives
To provide a framework for improving the patient experience in all care areas within our dental practice around six key themes:
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Attitudes and behaviours
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Personal world and identity
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Personal boundaries and space
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Communication between staff and patients
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Privacy and confidentiality of personal information
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Privacy, dignity and modesty.
General Principles
Every staff member must see that the privacy and dignity of all patients are respected.
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The practice consistently monitors the environment within the practice concerning privacy and dignity issues.
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Respectful attitudes and behaviours are promoted and assured, preventing patients from experiencing offensive and harmful attitudes and behaviours.
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Patients and relatives/carers should be given clear information on how to raise concerns and to whom.
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Problems with standards and guidelines on privacy and dignity in the care of patients shall be monitored and reported through the incident reporting system.
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Attitudes & Behaviours
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Patients feel that they matter all the time.
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Respectful attitudes and behaviours are promoted and assured, including consideration of non-verbal behaviour and body language.
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Issues about attitude and behaviour towards minority groups are addressed with individual staff.
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Personal World & Personal Identity
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Patients experience care in an environment that actively encompasses individual values, beliefs and personal relationships.
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Stereotypical views are challenged, and the valuing of diversity is demonstrated.
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Individual needs and choices are ascertained and continuously reviewed.
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Personal Boundaries & Space
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All staff members promote a patient’s personal space.
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The name that the patient wants to be called is agreed upon and noted.
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The acceptability of personal contact (touch) is identified with the individual patient.
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Personal and private space is respected and protected for individuals, and privacy is effectively maintained.
Communication between Staff and Patients
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Communication between staff and patients takes place in a manner that respects their individuality.
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Access to translation and interpretation services is provided as appropriate.
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Information is adapted to meet the needs of individual patients are identified.
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All information is factual in plain language with no jargon or abbreviations and given at the required level of understanding.
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Relevant communication exchanges are recorded.
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Privacy & Confidentiality of Personal Information
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Information is shared with consent to enable care.
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Informed consent is sought when using trained interpreters.
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Precautions are taken to prevent information from being shared inappropriately.
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The practice’s consent, confidentiality policy, Caldicott principles and information security policies must always be followed.
Privacy, Dignity, & Modesty
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Patient care actively promotes privacy and dignity and protects their modesty.
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Patients are protected from unwanted public view whenever appropriate.
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A private area is created or made available.
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Approved by Alexandre Junqueira Marques and Roseanne Farinha.
Published date: 22/02/2024.