ABSTRACT
The purpose of the records is to provide care for the patient; they are an effective tool to communicate this. However, the patient has the right to confidentiality and health professionals have a duty to uphold that right. Where matters involve children or vulnerable adults, there is a duty that agencies cooperate in the sharing of records. There should be protocols in place for sharing information with other agencies. The more fragmented the records the more room there is for a breakdown of communication. There must be systems in place for the sharing of information. Fax communication must be dealt with carefully. It is not enough simply to send a fax. Where records are used for clinical audit then such an audit should be carried out by health professionals with clear professional obligations to maintain confidentiality.
