What does confidentiality in healthcare primarily refer to?

Confidentiality in healthcare primarily refers to the right to control access to personal health information. This concept emphasizes the responsibility of healthcare providers to protect sensitive patient information and to ensure that it is not disclosed without the patient's consent. The principle of confidentiality underlines the trust that patients place in healthcare professionals and systems, as they must feel secure that their private information will remain protected and be handled appropriately.

While the intended use of information shared with healthcare providers (which was chosen as the answer) is relevant, it does not capture the essence of confidentiality, which is fundamentally about the control and protection of that information. This focus on patient autonomy and empowerment is crucial in fostering a safe and trustworthy healthcare environment, as it allows individuals to dictate who has access to their personal and sensitive health information.