title: Increased electronic information sharing by sexual health services: confidentiality and consent.
abstract: New Zealand is moving towards an integrated health-care model with information accessible electronically regardless of location, linking existing health provider systems, regional clinical results repositories and a shared care record. However, such information sharing has been a major concern for patients attending sexual health services. In this study, we investigated patient attitudes towards a change in practice to support an integrated care model. Outcomes showed that confidentiality remains a significant concern, and routine sharing of patient information may create barriers to attendance for some, leading to a potential increase in untreated infections. We conclude that sexual health services may be able to change their information management practices to an opt-out consent system and routinely share health information with other health providers, but further public discussion to ensure informed consent is needed before this can happen. Regardless of national policy, it is still necessary to keep clinic visit details confidential for some patients attending sexual health services.
authors.affiliation: Massey University; MidCentral District Health Board, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Inga
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Gael
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haining Ede
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whiddett
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology*; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009520:New Zealand; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018511:Systems Integration; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Access to information; confidentiality; information management; informed consent; patients