Job Shadow Participant Information - St. Anthony's Medical Center

Patient Needs
Privacy
Every patient has the right, within the law, to every consideration of personal privacy, including
reasonable visual and auditory privacy, with respect to his/her medical care. The patient has the
right to ask that information about his/her presence at St. Anthony's Medical Center not be made
available through our information services.
Confidentiality
The patient has the right, within the law, to expect that all communications and records
(electronic as well as written) pertaining to his/her medical and nursing care be confidentially
treated and read only by individuals directly involved in his/her treatment or the monitoring of its
quality. The patient has the right to expect that these records are only read by other individuals
upon his/her written authorization of that of his/her legally authorized representative.
All patient information is confidential. Problems and confidences of patients, and also of coworkers,
should never be mentioned to anyone who does not have a professional right or need to
be told. Gossip about patients, staff members or about the medical center itself, in addition to
being unethical, could result in serious consequences ranging from unpleasantness to court
action. There may be occasions when it would become your duty to report a matter of this nature
to someone in authority, for the sake of someone’s well-being or safety. Report the information
to your immediate supervisor.
Communications in a Medical Center
1. Never discuss patient information in the cafeteria, on elevators or in public.
2. Upon meeting a person, introduce yourself. Tell the patient who you are and why you are
there.
3. Call the patient by name, but do not use the person’s first name unless requested to do so. If
you don’t know the person’s name, you should ask.
4. SMILE! Smiles convey reassurance, friendship, concern, trust, and humor.
5. Look at the person you are talking to. Good eye contact is important in building human
relationships.
6. Good posture tells people that you are alert and ready to help.
7. Remember the words that convey courtesy and respect: “Please.” “Thank you.” “May I”
8. Understand the impact of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all of which
make a big difference in effective communication.
9. Speak clearly and present ideas in a way, which is easily understood.
10. BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER! Give your undivided attention to the person and don’t
interrupt them. Don’t rush. Show your interest.
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