Which of the following is a way to maintain patient confidentiality?

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of healthcare that protects the privacy of individuals regarding their medical information. Discussing patient information only with authorized individuals ensures that sensitive data is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know for the sake of treatment, care coordination, or other professional responsibilities. This helps to uphold the trust between healthcare providers and patients and complies with legal and ethical standards, including regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

The other options do not adhere to confidentiality standards. Sharing patient information on social media compromises their privacy and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information. Leaving patient files unattended poses a risk for unauthorized individuals to access private details, while talking about patients with family and friends can lead to breaches of confidentiality since these conversations may reach unintended audiences. Each of these alternatives fails to respect the privacy rights of patients and could have serious consequences for both the patient and the healthcare provider.