Decision-making processes of a nurse working in mental health, regarding disclosure of confidential personal health information of a patient assessed as posing a risk

Background: Nurses working in mental health routinely face difficult decisions regarding confidentiality and disclosure of patient information. There is public interest in protecting patient confidentiality, and there is a competing public interest in disclosing relevant confidential information to protect the patient or others from harm. However, inappropriate disclosures may constitute a breach of confidentiality. Despite the gravity of this situation, there is a paucity of literature to guide nurses’ decision-making processes regarding confidentiality and disclosure.

Aim: To examine decision-making processes of a nurse working in mental health, regarding disclosure of personal health information of a patient assessed as posing a risk.

Methods: Qualitative interpretivist approach using thematic analysis of data derived from an instrumental case study of NK v Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service 2010, a Civil and Administrative Tribunal matter in New South Wales, Australia.

Findings: Three important legal concerns relevant to nurses’ decision-making processes are illuminated. Firstly, for risk assessment there was an emphasis on a static notion of dangerousness. Secondly, rules of confidentiality and disclosure were not adequately observed. Thirdly, confidential information was disclosed without valid justification.

Discussion: Inappropriate decision-making processes that may lead to a breach of patient confidentiality were evident in the findings. Gaps in understanding nurses’ decision-making processes pertaining to confidentiality and disclosure of patient information that may be addressed by future research were also revealed.

Conclusion: Future research that addresses gaps in understanding nurses’ decision-making processes identified by this instrumental case study would provide greater guidance for nurses when making decisions regarding confidentiality and disclosure related to risk.

© 2020 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.