Communicating a schizophrenia diagnosis to patients and families: A qualitative study of mental health clinicians Journal Article

  


Authors: Outram, S.; Harris, G.; Kelly, B.; Cohen, M.; Sandhu, H.; Vamos, M.; Levin, T. T.; Landa, Y.; Bylund-Lincoln, C. L.; Loughland, C.
Article Title: Communicating a schizophrenia diagnosis to patients and families: A qualitative study of mental health clinicians
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this research was to explore mental health clinicians' experiences and perceptions of discussing a diagnosis of schizophrenia with their patients. The results of this research will inform a communication skills training program for psychiatry trainees. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 mental health clinicians from public mental health services in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis. Results: Although most clinicians supported the need to give patients a named diagnosis of schizophrenia, most gave multiple reasons for not doing so in practice. The reasons given centered on concerns for the patient; they included fear ofmaking an incorrect diagnosis, fear of the patient's distress, and harm from stigma. Conclusions: Mental health clinicians need to reflect on their own feelings, examine personal identification with their patients, and recognize the subtle interplay of hope and pessimism in their communication of a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Keywords: clinical article; quality of life; medical education; patient compliance; diagnostic error; distress syndrome; communication skill; interpersonal communication; physician attitude; fear; psychotrauma; onset age; qualitative research; drug use; schizophrenia; stigma; semi structured interview; qualitative analysis; pessimism; human; male; female; article; psychiatrist
Journal Title: Psychiatric Services
Volume: 65
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1075-2730
Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing  
Date Published: 2014-04-01
Start Page: 551
End Page: 554
Language: English
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300202
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 24687107
DOI/URL:

http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84901848396&partnerID=40&md5=7b25d621985f090080d0a967e488b4f5
Notes: Psychiatr. Serv. -- Export Date: 8 July 2014 -- CODEN: PSSEF -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Tomer T Levin
    62 Levin
  2. Carma L Bylund-Lincoln
    101 Bylund-Lincoln
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