European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PERCEPTION OF DOCTOR-PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY AMONG CLINICAL YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

Teoh Yee Jing, Rudtrassinii Tamildesiyan, Lye Wei Ping, Abdul Sadham bin Shak Mohamed, Sujata Khobragade, Mila Nu Nu Htay, Soe Moe and Htoo Htoo Kyaw Soe*

ABSTRACT

Doctor-patient confidentiality refers to a private and protected communication between a doctor and a patient. Doctor patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of the ethical code; however, medical practitioners are not always aware of its importance, limitations and drawbacks. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the perception of doctor-patient confidentiality and its associated factors among clinical year medical students. The data were collected from a total of 102 students of private medical school in Malaysia. We calculated unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA. Our study showed the positive perception among clinical year medical undergraduates. There were no significant association between demographic variables, ethic course attended and perception of medical students towards doctor-patient confidentiality. In order to further enhance students‟ understanding towards doctor-patient confidentiality, medical school should strengthen the curriculum incorporating principles and code of clinical as well as medical ethic during their clinical postings. With a good knowledge of doctor-patient confidentiality, the healthcare system will be better and a good communication between doctors and patients could be created.

Keywords: Confidentiality, patient, privacy, medical student.