Privacy in Practice: what you need to know

Privacy breaches are one of the most common medico-legal issues in healthcare. Whether it’s at the front desk or in the consulting room, a small misstep such as sending information to the wrong patient can have serious consequences.

Over the next four months, you'll get practical resources and real-world insights to help you:

• Spot the signs of a privacy breach
• Understand your legal responsibilities
• Keep patient information secure
• Build a stronger privacy culture in your workplace

Each month, you’ll find new resources tailored to your role in healthcare.

Privacy risks and breaches

This section focuses on understanding how privacy breaches occur, why they matter, and the practical steps you can take to prevent them.

The hidden cost of administration: patient privacy in practice

While cyberattacks dominate headlines, the latest OAIC report reveals that simple human mistakes - like sending emails to the wrong recipient - account for nearly a third of all notifiable data breaches. This article breaks down key findings and offers practical tips to help healthcare professionals prevent avoidable privacy breaches in everyday practice.

The real cost of a privacy breach

Privacy breaches in healthcare can have far-reaching consequences - not just legally, but professionally and personally. This article explores real cases where lapses in judgment led to fines, reputational damage, and career setbacks, highlighting why privacy must be treated as a shared responsibility across every healthcare setting.

Doctor's distress at patient's swastika tattoo did not justify privacy breach

This case highlights the serious consequences of breaching patient privacy - even when driven by personal distress. A doctor’s decision to photograph and share an image of a patient’s tattoo without consent led to a finding of professional misconduct, a significant fine, and widespread media scrutiny. The article explores the legal and ethical boundaries of privacy in clinical practice and offers key lessons for healthcare professionals.

Psychologist fined $5000 for failing to give patient access to their clinical records

Patients have a legal right to access their clinical records - but when a psychologist repeatedly denied a request without valid justification, it led to a privacy breach and a $5,000 penalty. This article unpacks the case and highlights the importance of understanding your obligations under the Privacy Act.

Legal obligations and best practice

You’ll gain a solid understanding of your legal obligations under privacy law, how to manage patient consent appropriately, and how to safely handle health information.

7 steps to avoid a human data breach

While cyberattacks dominate headlines, the latest OAIC report reveals that simple human mistakes - like sending emails to the wrong recipient - account for nearly a third of all notifiable data breaches. This article breaks down key findings and offers practical tips to help healthcare professionals prevent avoidable privacy breaches in everyday practice.

Providing information to police - is this okay?

Doctors are often unsure how to respond when police request access to patient information - especially during high-pressure situations like night shifts. This article outlines your legal and professional obligations, including when disclosure is permitted, how to protect patient privacy, and the steps to take before releasing any information.

Are you allowed to look at that medical record?

Electronic medical records have made it easier than ever to access patient information - but not every instance of access is appropriate. This article explores common pitfalls, evolving hospital policies, and what doctors need to know to stay compliant with privacy laws and workplace expectations.

Email communication with patient's: privacy and patient safety

As email becomes a more common way for patients to communicate with their doctors, it’s essential for doctors to understand the privacy, consent, and safety implications. This article outlines best practices for using email securely and responsibly in clinical settings.