Impact of patient confidentiality on carers of people who have a mental disorder

Abstract

This paper discusses how patient confidentiality issues impact on carers of people with mental disorders. Data obtained from interviews with 27 primary carers were analysed using the grounded theory method. Despite the emphasis that Australian mental health policy documents place on collaboration with carers, the findings of this Western Australian study showed that carers were expected to undertake the caring role with little support, education or understanding. The lack of collaboration with health professionals increased carers' level of distress and left them feeling frustrated and resentful. Carers have identified that patient confidentiality was one reason why health professionals were unwilling to collaborate with them. To ensure carers' continued commitment to caring, negotiation about patient confidentiality issues must occur at the onset of the caregiving process. Carers have the right to certain information in order to maintain their level of well-being and their personal safety. Moreover, in certain circumstances, patient confidentiality may need to be breached if the life of the ill family member or others is in danger. A greater carer involvement in and understanding of the ill family member's illness will facilitate better treatment outcomes in the community for the ill family member.

The caregiving experience: How much do health professionals understand?

“…Health professionals whose philosophy of care encompasses assessment of the ill family member, the primary carer, family and social networks are more adept in developing a comprehensive picture of the stresses that regularly confront caregivers (Wynaden & Orb 2005). By acknowledging the human experience attached to caregiving, health professionals increase their awareness and understanding of the value and role caregivers play in the ill family member's life.…”

Double deprivation: a phenomenological study into the experience of being a carer during a mental health crisis

“…Jones (2004) further argues that relatives of someone with a severe mental illness experience complex emotions of guilt and loss. When not involved by professionals, carers describe feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, fear, anger and resentment towards the person with mental health problems (Wooff et al 2003, Wynaden & Orb 2005, Gray et al 2008.…”

Recovery: an international perspective

“…Their disregard of social context (e.g. poverty (Henderson, Thornicroft, & Glover, 1998), social support (Wynaden D & Orb A, 2005)) and consequent resources (e.g. spiritual (Clarke, 2003), artistic (Rosen, 2007), peer support (Copeland & Mead, 2003)) ignores the link between environment and mental well-being (Drukker, Gunther, & van Os, 2007).…”