What is defined as a patient's ability to control certain aspects of their personal information?

The concept of a patient's ability to control certain aspects of their personal information is best defined as privacy. Privacy refers to the rights and expectations that individuals have regarding their personal data and how it is collected, used, and shared. It encompasses a range of rights, including the ability to determine who can access one’s information, how much information can be shared, and in what context.

In the healthcare context, privacy is critical because it empowers patients to manage their sensitive health information, ensuring that they can protect themselves from unauthorized access and maintain the confidentiality of their health status and medical history. This control fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging individuals to share vital information with their caregivers without fear of it being misused or disclosed without their consent.

Access control, while related, focuses more on the technical measures implemented to restrict who can view or use specific data. Confidentiality pertains to the obligation to keep information secret and only disclose it to authorized parties. Transparency involves being open about how information is handled but does not specifically address the individual's ability to control their own information. Thus, privacy encompasses the broader right and capability for individuals to manage their personal information effectively.