Patient privacy first

Respect for privacy and the protection of patients' personal data is a priority commitment within EOC facilities where specific rules are applied to ensure the confidentiality of patients' personal and health data, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Privacy and confidentiality

Our dedication to the protection of privacy is manifested through strict adherence to professional secrecy in accordance with current regulations. As health care professionals, we are committed to protecting and respecting patient confidentiality and not disclosing information obtained during the course of our practice, regardless of how it is acquired. This commitment also extends to personal relationships, patients' employers and insurance companies.

This principle is ingrained in our training and daily practice. All employees, or anyone who has access to information within our facilities, are properly trained and aware of their obligations related to confidentiality. Even in situations of information sharing between physicians, such as in consultations or patient transfers, patient confidentiality remains paramount, always operating under the presumption of patient consent for the sharing of essential medical information.

Computerized medical record

Information provided to caregivers is recorded in an EOC computerized medical record. This contains information on all patient access to EOC facilities. Access to this information is governed by specific rights: staff intervening in care can access the information, regardless of the EOC location in which they are located.

This mode has the advantage of ensuring that all specialists caring for the patient can share the same information and, therefore, set up treatment and care in the best and safest way possible.

All access to the computerized medical record is tracked, and periodic audits are conducted to assess compliance with proper data processing.

All EOC employees are subject to professional confidentiality.

Frequently asked questions

To whom is patient information transmitted?

Information regarding the patient is accessible only to the treating staff involved in the care. In the case of transfer to another non-EOC facility, information necessary for follow-up care will be transmitted to the professionals involved. In case of discharge, a discharge letter will be transmitted to the physician who referred/sent the patient to the EOC facilities.

Does the family doctor automatically receive information about the patient's access to the hospital facility?

No. The family doctor can only receive information with the patient's consent. Therefore, the patient is explicitly asked if he or she wants the information to be passed on to his or her physician.

Is it possible for a physician to access the EOC medical record from his office?

Access to the EOC medical record is only possible by professionals who have a contract with EOC. Physicians with an EOC contract also have the ability to access the EOC network (and thus also the medical record) remotely. This means that a physician who works for EOC on a part-time basis and who has his own practice for another percentage of time can access the EOC network and also the patient record from his private practice. Before doing this access, the physician is required to inform the patient and seek his or her consent.

Can family members obtain information about the patient's health status?

Only persons designated by the patient and with the patient's consent may obtain information about the patient's health status, treatment, and general care.

Where can I find more details about my privacy and data protection?

To learn more about how we handle and protect your personal information, please see our Data Protection Statement. Here you will be able to understand why and how we process your information, both online on our website and in our facilities.

If the patient has concerns that his or her privacy has been violated

Should such a doubt arise, it is important for the patient to contact the EOC immediately: the Data Protection and Privacy Service will proceed with the necessary checks.

What is the practice for accessing clinical records of prior hospitalizations or visits?

To ensure comprehensive care and your safety, it may be necessary to access clinical records of prior hospitalizations or visits performed at other caregivers or other health care facilities. In these cases, you will be asked to sign a specific consent form authorizing us to request this documentation. The same document should be used by caregivers outside EOC who need access to clinical records of hospitalizations or antecedent visits performed at EOC facilities.

Is it allowed to take photos, videos or recordings inside EOC facilities?

No. Taking photos, videos and/or recordings of any kind, whether of the facilities themselves (such as of screens or techno-medical devices) or of staff or patients, is strictly prohibited within the EOC facilities. This regulation is in line with privacy and data protection regulations. Violation of this policy not only compromises the privacy and dignity of patients and healthcare professionals, but is also a violation of the Swiss Data Protection Act. Any transgressions could lead to sanctions from both the EOC and the law. We ask all patients and visitors to respect this rule to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all individuals within our facilities. For more information read our Privacy Statement.

The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions.
The original version is the page in Italian.