Confidentiality and Privacy in Health Data

This topic addresses the ethical and legal obligations to protect patient and research participant privacy, a growing concern in Zambia's digital age. It distinguishes between privacy (the right to control personal information) and confidentiality (the duty to safeguard information that has been disclosed). Students will explore the justification for these duties based on autonomy, trust, and the prevention of harm (e.g., stigma, discrimination). The topic covers practical challenges such as managing electronic health records, handling data in multi-site research, contact tracing for infectious diseases, and mandatory reporting laws. Students will also learn about data protection strategies like anonymization, encryption, and secure storage. For Zambian tertiary students in health informatics, medicine, and public health, understanding confidentiality is essential for complying with emerging data protection regulations, maintaining public trust in the health system, and conducting research that respects individual rights while serving the public good, a balance critical for Zambia's health security and innovation.