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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:

  • Attitudes and behaviours

  • Personal world and identity

  • Personal boundaries and space

  • Communication between staff and patients

  • Privacy and confidentiality of personal information

  • 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

  • Patients feel that they matter all the time.

  • Respectful attitudes and behaviours are promoted and assured, including consideration of non-verbal behaviour and body language.

  • Issues about attitude and behaviour towards minority groups are addressed with individual staff.

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Personal World & Personal Identity

  • Patients experience care in an environment that actively encompasses individual values, beliefs and personal relationships.

  • Stereotypical views are challenged, and the valuing of diversity is demonstrated.

  • Individual needs and choices are ascertained and continuously reviewed.

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Personal Boundaries & Space

  • All staff members promote a patient’s personal space.

  • The name that the patient wants to be called is agreed upon and noted.

  • The acceptability of personal contact (touch) is identified with the individual patient.

  • Personal and private space is respected and protected for individuals, and privacy is effectively maintained.

 

Communication between Staff and Patients

  • Communication between staff and patients takes place in a manner that respects their individuality.

  • Access to translation and interpretation services is provided as appropriate.

  • Information is adapted to meet the needs of individual patients are identified.

  • All information is factual in plain language with no jargon or abbreviations and given at the required level of understanding.

  • Relevant communication exchanges are recorded.

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Privacy & Confidentiality of Personal Information

  • Information is shared with consent to enable care.

  • Informed consent is sought when using trained interpreters.

  • Precautions are taken to prevent information from being shared inappropriately.

  • The practice’s consent, confidentiality policy, Caldicott principles and information security policies must always be followed.

 

Privacy, Dignity, & Modesty

  • Patient care actively promotes privacy and dignity and protects their modesty.

  • Patients are protected from unwanted public view whenever appropriate.

  • 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.

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