If a dietitian believes information in the lock-box is relevant for healthcare provision, what should they do during handover?

The most appropriate approach in this scenario is to inform the receiving custodian that some relevant information has been withheld. This action aligns with the principles of transparency and professional responsibility in healthcare. By communicating that there is information in the lock-box that could be relevant to the patient's care, the dietitian ensures that the receiving custodian is aware of the existence of important data without violating confidentiality or privacy regulations.

This process allows for informed decision-making in the continuation of patient care, as the receiving custodian can consider the implications of the withheld information. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative care, where all healthcare providers are appropriately informed about the patient’s circumstances, and they can seek further clarification if needed.

The other options do not fully align with best practices in health information management and patient confidentiality. Sharing the locked information directly with the custodian may breach privacy protocols if that information is confidential. Ignoring the lock-box information fails to acknowledge the potential relevance of that information to the patient’s ongoing treatment. Lastly, obtaining express consent from the client before proceeding might be necessary in some contexts, but the specific context of the lock-box information requires appropriate reporting to the receiving custodian first.