If you see a neighbor's health record, what should you do?

Maintaining confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical practice, particularly in healthcare and patient data management. When you come across someone else's health record, the appropriate response is to keep that information confidential and refrain from disclosing it to others. This adherence to confidentiality not only respects the privacy of the individual but is also in compliance with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which mandates the protection of personal health information.

By choosing to keep the information confidential, you are upholding the trust that patients place in healthcare systems and professionals to safeguard their sensitive data. Such actions also prevent potential harm that could arise from unauthorized sharing, including stigmatization or discrimination against the individual whose information you encountered. Keeping the information confidential demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to ethical standards in the practice of oncology data management and beyond.