Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) CBT Practice Test

In the event of a police investigation regarding a patient’s death, which framework is most appropriate to assist the investigation?

1. Data Protection Act 2005

2. Storage of Records Policy

3. Consent Policy

4. Confidentiality Guidelines

The correct answer is: Confidentiality Guidelines

In the context of a police investigation concerning a patient's death, the most suitable framework to assist the investigation would be the Confidentiality Guidelines. These guidelines are critical because they outline how patient information can be shared while still respecting privacy. During an investigation, it may be necessary for healthcare professionals to disclose certain patient information to law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation, which must be done carefully to adhere to legal and ethical standards. The Confidentiality Guidelines provide clarity on when and how to share sensitive information appropriately. They help professionals understand the balance between confidentiality and the need to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain transparency while safeguarding patient rights. The guidelines emphasize the importance of only disclosing information that is relevant and necessary for the investigation. Other frameworks, while relevant in different contexts, would not serve as directly in providing guidance during a police investigation. For example, the Data Protection Act focuses on the legal aspects of data handling, which may not specifically address the immediate needs of a police investigation. The Storage of Records Policy pertains to how records are maintained rather than how to share information during an inquiry. The Consent Policy deals with obtaining permission from patients before sharing personal information, which may not apply in situations where the law requires information to be shared without consent for reasons of public interest or