Patient confidentiality and mental health. Part 2: dilemmas of disclosure

The article is the second in the series examining some of the issues relating to patient confidentiality and mental health. It explores the situations in which confidential patient information may be disclosed by nurses. First, disclosure with consent is considered. Second, disclosure where it is in 'the public interest' is explored. Third, those situations in which disclosure may be required by statute are discussed. The article concludes by suggesting that the whole area of confidentiality is ripe for reconsideration and perhaps statutory reform.