Privacy of Health Information

Overview


Privacy in Saskatchewan Health Care: An Overview

Health information is one of the most sensitive forms of personal information. Health information is collected primarily for reasons connected with patient care. Health information may be used for a number of other reasons including financial reimbursement, medical education, research, social services, quality assurance, risk management, public health regulation, litigation, and commercial purposes.

Privacy is a major concern for physicians. The increased availability of patient records in electronic format has led to concerns about the potential misuse of personal information for purposes other than direct patient care. Without confidence that their privacy will be maintained, patients may refrain from disclosing critical information, may refuse to provide their consent to use personal health information for research purposes, or may simply not seek treatment.

A 1999 Canadian Medical Association (CMA) survey found that 11% of the public held back information from a health-care provider due to concerns about whom it would be shared with or what purposes it would be used for. Wrongful release of information to third parties also may result in harm to the patient. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes the right to be free of the psychological stress resulting from the unauthorized disclosure of one’s personal health information.

 

No content found

No content found

No content found

No content found