GOC publishes guidance on disclosing confidential information

New guidance on disclosing confidential information about patients, including when patients might not be fit to drive, has been published by the General Optical Council.

Research carried out by the GOC found that confidentiality is a complex and confusing area for practitioners, especially around vision and driving.

It found that 72% of registrants would not feel comfortable informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or the Driver and Vehicle Agency if a patient could not or would not do it themselves.

A total of 56% of respondents to the survey said it was difficult to balance patient confidentiality with their duty to protect the public from harm.