Abstract
Collateral information facilitates comprehensive mental health care and is consistent with recovery-oriented models of care. But providers are often faced with complex decisions about obtaining collateral information, particularly when patients do not consent to communication with third parties for information gathering. Such situations require a thoughtful balance of best clinical practices, legal and ethical responsibilities, and patient safety concerns. This column offers an overview of the clinical utility of collateral information as well as the ethical and legal regulations concerning confidentiality that guide the process of obtaining collateral information. The risk-benefit analysis process related to obtaining collateral information without patient permission is illustrated. Recommendations about clinical consultation and documentation that facilitate optimal and ethical patient care are offered.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 220-224 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of psychiatric practice |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Writing of this manuscript was supported by the Office of Academic Affiliations, Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment, Department of Veterans Affairs. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. DOI: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000072
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Keywords
- autonomy
- collateral information
- confidentiality
- ethics
- multi-informant data