M. Furlong et M. Leggatt, RECONCILING THE PATIENTS RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY AND THE FAMILYS NEED TO KNOW, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 30(5), 1996, pp. 614-622
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.