Confidential information should be shared only with which group of individuals?

Confidential information should be shared only with directly involved medical personnel. This approach is vital because it ensures that only those who have a legitimate need to know about a patient's condition or treatment are given access to sensitive information. This is rooted in the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy, which are critical in healthcare settings to maintain trust between patients and medical providers.

Directly involved medical personnel typically includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working on a patient’s case. They require specific information to make informed decisions regarding treatment and care. By limiting access to this group, organizations comply with ethical standards and legal regulations such as HIPAA in the United States, which protect patient privacy.

Sharing confidential information with wider groups, such as all medical staff or legal authorities, can lead to violations of patient privacy and trust, unless those individuals are also directly involved in the patient's care or if there are specific legal reasons to disclose the information.