Knowledge of Medical and Paramedical Staff in the Intensive Care Unit Regarding Medical Confidentiality

• Dr. Rania Ammar Zayani

  university of sfax faculty of medecine of sfax

• Dr.Malek Zribi

• Dr. Mabrouk Bahloul

• Dr.Chokri Ben Hamida

Introduction: Medical confidentiality, a cornerstone of the patient–caregiver relationship, is governed by law and professional ethics. In intensive care, respect is particularly crucial due to the severity of patients’ conditions and the multiplicity of caregivers. Objective: To assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of medical confidentiality in a healthcare facility. Methodology: An observational survey was conducted from July 19 to 31, 2025, among the medical and paramedical staff of the intensive care unit at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, using an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Forty-six participants responded. The majority were women (30; 65.2%), and most were qualified physicians (37%). Most respondents were aware of the legal and permanent nature of medical confidentiality. However, gaps remained concerning its legal exceptions (sharing with family, educational use, cases of violence, or notifiable diseases). Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of integrating continuous training in ethics and deontology into the medical curriculum.

1. Dr. Rania Ammar Zayani, university of sfax faculty of medecine of sfax

   1. Department of Multidisciplinary Intensive Care, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, University of Sfax

2. Dr.Malek Zribi

   2. Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, University of Sfax

3. Dr. Mabrouk Bahloul

   1. Department of Multidisciplinary Intensive Care, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, University of Sfax

4. Dr.Chokri Ben Hamida

   1. Department of Multidisciplinary Intensive Care, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, University of Sfax

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