In this case, one of the main principles of patient confidentiality that could be an issue is the patient’s right to privacy. To use the photo of the patient’s wound, the nurse must obtain the patient’s informed consent. Additionally, the nurse should ensure that the photo is not shared with any other parties without the patient’s permission. From a legal perspective, the nurse should also ensure that the image is stored securely and is not accessible to any unauthorized personnel.
The nurse could use the communication device to support safe patient practices by ensuring that the photo is stored securely and used only for the patient’s benefit. The nurse could also use the device to quickly and accurately transmit patient information to the primary care provider. Furthermore, the device can provide the patient with timely updates on their condition and progress.
According to NORCAL (2017), a policy on personal communication devices used in a patient care setting should address the following topics: 1) the types of devices that are allowed in the clinical setting; 2) the security measures that should be taken to protect patient information; 3) the procedures for obtaining informed consent from patients before using their information, and 4) the consequences for violating the policy. Additionally, the policy should also include measures to ensure that the use of personal communication devices does not interfere with patient care or create any distractions.
Reference
NORCAL. (2017). Patient confidentiality: Understanding the medical ethics issues. NORCAL Group – Medical Professional Liability Insurance. Web.