Having been a hospital department manager for over 25 years, I know the importance of patient privacy. It was strictly enforced when my father was in for a stroke.  I was banned from reading his chart, due to privacy laws.  This meant that people working for me could read his chart, if they were authorized, but I could not. Therefore,  they could not share any information about his condition with me.  I understood that.  However, during this coronavirus epidemic, I think we should make a distinction between patient privacy vs. need to know.

When the crisis first started,  we were told the names of some of the patients– where they worshiped, and where they lived.  Often, we heard  that they had recently been to China or some out of state convention.    Many people were  willing to self report  ( actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson) But now, we aren’t being told much about the patients, except their general age group. Different states are willing to share more  information than others.  The state of Washington freely reported the number of nursing home patients with the coronavirus.

My county currently has 3 active corona cases, which isn’t too bad, yet.  We’re a relatively small town (pop 60,000).  But I want to know a bit more. In such a small community, I think we have that right.

This is what I believe  the people in this county should know:  Where  were the patients  before coming down with the virus?  Did they go to the  grocery store where I shop before they  were  diagnosed?  Or to the church I attended?  Were they  college students?  If so, which college?  A snowbird returning to Indiana from another state? What state?  A  nursing home resident?  If so, which nursing home?   Did they smoke, making them more susceptible to complications?

I suppose the response would be that it doesn’t really make any difference.  If we’re washing hands, maintaining social distance, etc. , it’s not important whether or not we’ve been near that person or know when or where he might have contracted the disease.   But psychologically, I think it does make a difference.  If I have shopped at a different supermarket in another end of town, or haven’t attended their  Church, or visited anyone in that nursing home, I can have a little peace of mind, knowing my risk is lower.  However,  if I have been in the vicinity of the sick person, I’ll need to be extra vigilant regarding any new symptoms.  If I get a cough or cold, I  have to face the reality  that I could have contracted the virus.  And  get tested if I start feeling worse.

There’s a difference between patient privacy and the need to know. Right now, we’re being given Too Little Information as to where COVID-19 might have been swirling in the air around us.

That being said,  I think Indiana’s Governor Holcomb has done a fantastic job of managing the crisis and providing statistics.  And I’m proud of my fellow Hoosiers who have social distanced without complaint.