Doctor breaches data protection rules by answering telephone call in front of another patient

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By Daniel Pye

A doctor breached data protection rules by disclosing personal details in a telephone call in front of another patient.

A healthcare provider reported the personal data breach to the Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) after the doctor answered the call while conducting a medical examination.

The provider reported to the authority, which regulates data compliance in Guernsey, that the doctor remained in the examination room throughout the conversation which could be heard by the patient and others nearby.

During the call, personal information relating to another patient was disclosed, including identifying details and sensitive health information.

It was heard by people who had no legitimate reason to receive it, the OPDA said. “The incident arose from a failure to keep confidential the information discussed during a clinical conversation,” it added.

The breach involved the unauthorised disclosure of special category data and risked creating distress and loss of privacy for the affected individual. It served as a “reminder of the need for healthcare professionals to ensure that conversations involving patient information take place in a setting where confidentiality can be guaranteed”.