Strategies to Ensure Confidentiality in a Treatment Group for Individuals Living With HIV/AIDS

Group work is defined by Toseland and Rivas as “goal-directed activity with small treatment and task groups aimed at meeting socio-emotional needs and accomplishing tasks” (2017). Groups are classified in social work practice as either treatment groups or task groups. The purpose of treatment groups is to meet member’s socio-emotional needs while the purpose of task groups is to accomplish a goal (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The group described in the case study is a support group for Latino patients living with HIV/AIDS. The overall purpose of support groups is to help members cope and create bonds among group members through shared stressful and often stigmatizing experiences (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). For the support group discussed in the case study, the members worked together to seek support and gain education about the stigma of HIV and homosexuality, disclosure of HIV status, safer sex practices, adherence to HIV treatment, and doctor-patient relationships. The groups were conducted in Spanish to help group members feel more comfortable and create a culturally sensitive environment (Plummer, S.-B., Markis & Brocksen, 2014). Confidentiality can be defined in social work practice as the clinician’s respect for and protection of private information disclosed by or about the client (Lasky & Riva, 2006). Confidentiality can be incredibly challenging when working in groups as you are bringing several people into the intervention rather than just two: the client and the social worker. While social workers and other mental health professionals are bound by laws regarding confidentiality, group members are not (Lasky & Riva, 2006). For the clients participating in the support group regarding living with HIV/AIDS, confidentiality is even more important for each group member. As is there is a great stigma surrounding the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, it would be important for group members to respect each other’s right to privacy. The spreading of information about a group member’s HIV/AIDS status could be devastating to the individual. As the social worker leading this group, I would make sure to address confidentiality with each group member during the initial assessment and screening process, but also to the group as a whole. I would make sure to emphasize that confidentiality is important and that what is said in the group needs to stay in the group. I would make sure to revisit this topic frequently throughout the time meeting with the group. How Informed Consent Addresses Confidentiality in a Group Setting According to Toseland and Rivas, informed consent in a group setting consists of several things: being clear with each group member about the purpose and goals of the group, giving information about screening and termination procedures, potential risks, cost, timing and duration of sessions, whether participation is voluntary, what is expected of them, and procedures in place to ensure confidentiality (2017). Each member should be presented with, explained and sign an informed consent group during the initial assessment before admission into the group. One major part of informed consent in a group setting is making sure that each group member is fully aware of the risk of confidentiality being breached by another group member. The social worker should explain that the therapist is bound by law to not disclose information so This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :27:34 GMT -05:00 STRATEGIES TO ENSURE CONFIDENTIALITY IN A TREATMENT GROUP FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS they need not worry about them sharing information, but that group members are not bound by such laws and it’s possible that they may disclose information. Potential group members need to be informed of this and have the right to refuse entry and participation in the group if they are not comfortable with this. As stated previously, these risks should be put in writing and the group member should sign this form indicating that they understand the risks and still wish to participate. Confidentiality: Group Settings vs Individual Counseling As mentioned, confidentiality in group settings is different than in individual counseling settings. Social workers are bound by confidentiality laws, so the risk of confidential information disclosed in an individual counseling session is extremely low. However, group members in any type of group are not bound by the same laws as social workers (Lasky & Riva, 2006). There is no guarantee of confidentiality in group settings and group members need to be made aware of this before choosing to participate in the group. Another way that confidentiality differs in group settings versus individual counseling sessions involves privileged information. This is referring to the fact that in some types of relationships, information is protected from disclosure in legal proceedings. While privileged information applies in individual counseling, these laws do not apply in group settings (Lasky & Riva, 2006). Group members need to be made aware of this before choosing to participate in the group. How to Address Breaches of Confidentiality in Groups There are some ways that breaches of confidentiality can be prevented in a group setting. As mentioned, it’s important to go over confidentiality with group members before allowing them into the group. The purpose of confidentiality, the limitations in a group setting, and expectations all need to be discussed with each individual member as well as with the group as a whole. Confidentiality needs to be viewed as a group norm in the group to prevent breaches. It’s important to clearly define what counts as a breach of confidentiality and lay out clear consequences of violating confidentiality (Lasky & Riva, 2006). When addressing breaches of confidentiality, I think it’s important to remove members from the group who violate confidentiality of another group member. Although the damage may have already been done, it’s important for the group and any members who were violated see the consequences of breaking confidentiality. If a group member violates another member or several member’s confidentiality and stays part of the group, the group will not feel comfortable sharing information. After a group member is removed for violating confidentiality, it would be important to have a conversation with the group about confidentiality and why it’s important to maintain it. It may also be appropriate to help those who had their confidentiality violated process their feelings and explain how it made them feel to have their private information shared without their consent. This may encourage other group members to maintain confidentiality. Conclusion Confidentiality is an important aspect of social work practice but can be complicated when working in a group setting. As with work with any client, it’s important to obtain informed consent from each group member and explain the expectation but limitations of confidentiality in the group before allowing admission. Group members should be