Which of the following factors can compromise patient confidentiality?

Discussing patient cases in a public area can indeed compromise patient confidentiality because it exposes sensitive information to individuals who are not authorized to receive it. Patient confidentiality is paramount in the healthcare field, as it protects individuals’ rights to privacy regarding their medical information. When discussions occur in public settings, such as hallways, cafeterias, or waiting rooms, there is a risk that unauthorized individuals may overhear details about a patient's condition or treatment.

In contrast, using encrypted communications is a measure designed to protect patient information from unauthorized access, thereby safeguarding confidentiality. Filing patient records securely further contributes to maintaining confidentiality by ensuring that sensitive documents are protected from unauthorized viewing. Similarly, having private consultations ensures that discussions about a patient’s care occur in a confidential environment, minimizing the chances of exposing private health information. These practices uphold patient privacy, whereas discussing cases in public fails to do so.