How do you maintain confidentiality when collaborating?

1 Understand the scope and limits of confidentiality

Before you engage in any collaboration, you should be clear about the scope and limits of confidentiality in your role and context. This means knowing the relevant policies, laws, and codes of conduct that govern your practice, as well as the expectations and rights of your clients and collaborators. You should also be aware of the situations where you may need to disclose confidential information, such as when there is a risk of harm, abuse, or legal obligation. By understanding the scope and limits of confidentiality, you can avoid potential breaches, conflicts, or misunderstandings.

2 Obtain informed consent and authorization

One of the most important steps to maintain confidentiality when collaborating is to obtain informed consent and authorization from your clients. This means explaining to them the purpose, benefits, and risks of collaboration, as well as the types and sources of information that will be shared, and with whom. You should also inform them of their right to withdraw or limit their consent at any time, and how to do so. You should document their consent and authorization in writing, and keep it updated and accessible. By obtaining informed consent and authorization, you can respect your clients' autonomy and preferences, and protect their privacy and dignity.

3 Use secure and appropriate communication channels

Another key step to maintain confidentiality when collaborating is to use secure and appropriate communication channels. This means choosing the methods and platforms that are reliable, encrypted, and authorized by your organization and collaborators. You should also follow the protocols and standards for communication, such as using passwords, encryption keys, or verification codes. You should avoid using personal or public devices or networks, or sharing sensitive information via email, text, or social media. You should also be mindful of the time, place, and audience of your communication, and avoid discussing confidential information in public or with unauthorized persons.

4 Share only relevant and necessary information

When you collaborate with other professionals, clients, or stakeholders, you should share only relevant and necessary information. This means limiting the amount and detail of information that you disclose, and focusing on the specific goals and objectives of collaboration. You should also respect the confidentiality of your collaborators, and not share their information without their consent or authorization. You should also keep records of the information that you share, and store them securely and appropriately. By sharing only relevant and necessary information, you can minimize the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, or leakage of confidential information.

5 Review and evaluate your collaboration

Finally, you should review and evaluate your collaboration regularly, and make adjustments as needed. This means checking in with your clients and collaborators, and soliciting their feedback and input on the collaboration process and outcomes. You should also monitor and assess the impact of collaboration on your clients' well-being, goals, and rights. You should also review and update your consent and authorization forms, communication channels, and information sharing protocols. By reviewing and evaluating your collaboration, you can ensure that it is effective, ethical, and respectful of confidentiality.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?