Professional Practice Issues in Healthcare: HLT1IPP Assignment

This assignment addresses professional practice issues within a podiatry context, specifically examining the scenario of 'Mark the Podiatrist.' The paper identifies two key issues: the breach of patient confidentiality through sharing client information on social media, even with consent, and the negative impact of such actions on the clinic's reputation. The analysis delves into how these actions undermine the trust placed in healthcare professionals, questioning their ethical conduct and adherence to legal standards. It explores the potential consequences for both the individual practitioner and the broader healthcare community, emphasizing the importance of maintaining patient privacy and upholding the integrity of the profession.

Running head: Professional Practice Issues 1
Professional Practice Issues
Name
School

Professional Practice Issues 2
Professional Practice Issues
The obligations of medical practitioners are not limited to healthcare. All practitioners must
adhere to ethical and legal standards of practice aside from maintain a professional relationship
with the clienteles. In the ‘Mark the Podiatrist’ scenario, one of the professional practice issues is
failing to keep private the information regarding a client. Even if Mark’s friend had the client’s
consent, it is professionally inappropriate to reveal details that can make it easy to identify a
client. Although this was a friendly gesture, posting it on social media can negatively impact the
client as unauthorized people easily acquire such information. Health professionals are perceived
as trusted professionals; however, such an act may make people question the confidentiality and
privacy of their medical information. Making a post on Facebook and giving details of the client
does not exhibit moral respect and cannot retain a bond of trust. Although the client’s wound had
healed, information about her illness has been revealed especially since people know the nature
of Mark’s friend’s work. This act therefore has a negative impact on the trust that people have on
healthcare workers.
Another professional practice issue in the ‘Mark the Podiatrist’ scenario is going failing to
represent a place of employment in a positive manner. Mark’s friend is not only tasked with
ensuring and maintaining confidentiality and privacy of patients but also embodying the vision
and mission of the clinic. Making the post on Facebook has the ability to negatively impact the
reputation of the clinic. From the post, many people can question the credibility of the clinic and
the qualification of being a clinical practitioner in the clinic. Since there are legal and ethical
standards that are universally acceptable, the perception that healthcare practitioners are trusted

Professional Practice Issues 3
professionals may be questioned. Such an act will not only put the clinic on a negative limelight
but also the nursing fraternity as a whole.