Challenges to confidentiality in GP consulting

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the doctor–patient relationship, and it is essential in promoting confidence and to maintain trust in the healthcare system. However, there are circumstances where doctors may be unsure of when confidentiality can be breached, which can be challenging. This article sets out to explain the general principles of confidentiality as well as focusing on five particular scenarios doctors may face in primary care. Some sections have a clinical case scenario framed as a question, with a discussion for the scenario available at the end of the section. The goal of this article is to empower GP registrars and GPs with information to navigate challenges to confidentiality with confidence.