RECONCILING THE PATIENTS RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY AND THE FAMILYS NEED TO KNOW

Objective: Persistent difficulties have been identified in relation to confidentiality in mental health settings. The objective of the curre nt investigation was to develop practical options enabling clinicians to negotiate this issue in a manner that is sensitive to families. Met hod: A review of the international literature, the current legal and p olicy settings, and the needs of clients and their families was undert aken. Additional material was drawn from the authors' own practice and advocacy experience.Results: The literature and policies reviewed emp hasised the importance of meaningful collaboration between clinicians and families. A close reading of the relevant legislation revealed pos sibilities for an interpretation of confidentiality that facilitates s uch collaboration. Options for negotiating the engagement phase which are consistent with meaningful collaboration were then developed. Conc lusion: Rather than assuming that confidentiality is an intransient pr oblem, the authors conclude that dealing with the question of confiden tiality sensitively presents clinicians with an opportunity to develop quality relationships with both clients and their families.