An investigator obtaining consent to review medical records and HIV status, then storing identifying information on a laptop that is stolen constitutes what?

The situation described reflects a breach of confidentiality because the investigator's actions involved storing identifying information, specifically about an individual's medical records and HIV status, in a manner that left it vulnerable to theft. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical research practices, particularly when dealing with sensitive health information.

When an investigator obtains consent from a participant, it typically includes assurances about how their data will be protected and used. Storing such sensitive information on a laptop, which is then stolen, highlights a failure to maintain the confidentiality of that information. Participants trust researchers to protect their personal data, and a breach in this trust occurs when that data is not safeguarded properly.

This situation can have severe implications, both for the individuals involved and for the credibility of the research. Thus, the correct identification as a breach of confidentiality underscores the importance of robust data protection measures in research practices, especially when handling particularly sensitive information like HIV status.