Confidentiality in Clinical Writing: Ethical Dilemmas in Publishing Case Material from Clinical Social Work Practice

Abstract

This article summarizes perceptions of experienced social work clinicians and journal editors regarding the ethical dilemmas of publishing confidential case material in writing about clinical practice. Based on a qualitative study of eight professionals, participants explore the benefits and limitations of clinical writing, informed consent and disguise of case information, and personal and editorial policies regarding publishing confidential material. Although embracing ethical obligations, participants express confusion and ambivalence about preferred means of protecting client privacy. This article reviews literature on the ethics of clinical writing and makes recommendations for social work educators and practitioners who publish their work.

Keywords:

• ethical dilemmas
• clinical writing
• confidentiality
• informed consent
• social work profession