Discussion: Confidentiality

One of the most important concepts in clinical practice and group work is confidentiality. All members of the group sign an informed consent form in order to address the rules and parameters of the group sessions. The rules regarding confidentiality are stated in one section of the form. Although every member must sign this agreement, ensuring that all information shared in the group remains confidential can be difficult. As the group leader, the clinical social worker is responsible for developing strategies so that all members feel safe to share.

For this Discussion, review the “Working With Groups: Latino Patients Living With HIV/AIDS” case study.

Provide a 400-word Discussion Post covering the following content, topics, and headings: 

–  Strategies you might prefer to use to ensure confidentiality in a treatment group for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. 

– Describe how informed consent addresses confidentiality in a group setting. 

– How does confidentiality in a group differ from confidentiality in individual counseling?

–  Discuss how you would address a breach of confidentiality in the group.

Utilize the Learning Resource and Required Readings to provide at least four references and citations sourced only from the Learning Resources and Required Readings.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing [Vital Source e-reader].

• “Working      With Groups: Latino Patients Living With HIV/AIDS” (pp. 39–41)

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

• Chapter      11, “Task Groups: Foundation Methods” (pp. 336-363)
• Chapter      12, “Task Groups: Specialized Methods” (pp. 364–395)

Lasky, G. B., & Riva, M. T. (2006). Confidentiality and privileged communication in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56(4), 455–476.

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

• Chapter      1, “Introduction” (pp. 1–42)
• Chapter      2, “Historical and Theoretical Developments” (pp. 45–66)

Required Media

Walden University. (n.d.). Cortez multimedia: A meeting of an interdisciplinary team. MSW Interactive Homepage [Multimedia file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 8 minutes.