Inside Duke Medicine
Mum’s the Word
posted October 7th, 2008The 14th annual “Mum’s the Word” campaign sponsored by the Health Information Management Department is raising awareness about maintaining patient confidentiality.
Above, from left to right, Anita George, Hannah Jackson and Gloria Lea of Health Information Management, pause while setting up the “Mum’s the Word” display in Duke South.
Find out more by clicking below.
The purpose of the campaign is to continue to raise staff awareness of each patient’s right to have health information held private and the obligation as an employee of the Duke Health System to protect that right.
All employees are required to sign the confidentiality agreement form annually.
In addition to the displays, look for information tables outside of Duke North and Duke South cafeterias and in the transit lobby from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 10.
Those who stop at the information tables are encouraged to take a confidentiality quiz. Completion of a quiz will allow for participation in a raffle for an American Express gift certificate.
Take this opportunity to talk about confidentiality of patient records and remember that:
- If the information is not needed to do your job as it relates to treatment, payment, or operations it should not be accessed.
- You are responsible for anything accessed under your password.
- Do not look up information on friends or family members.
- Never leave a chart unattended in the hallways.
- Never share passwords.
- Never discuss patient information in the halls or on the elevator.
- Access to patient records is audited.
If you have any questions regarding confidentiality or privacy, call Privacy Officer Barbara Woolley at 684-2615.