A little disclosure up front

We'd wager that most patients and their families who interact with chaplains at Corridor hospitals would consider it a positive experience. Competent chaplains provide spiritual support and crisis intervention skills while respecting all faiths. They are helpful and can be trusted.

Nonetheless, there is some potential to cross the line between support and invasion of privacy. While such occurrences are likely rare, hospitals' policies should guard against such violations.

Chaplains generally are considered part of the hospital team. And most hospitals with national accreditation require chaplains to document information learned while visiting with a patient or family member. Such information may be useful to doctors and others providing medical care to a patient.

That arrangement makes sense.

But, without safeguards, it also could lead to misunderstandings.

That's what Dayna Leichty of Little York, Ill., said happened to her recently at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics while her 10-month-old son was receiving treatment. Leichty told a KCRG-TV9 reporter that she assumed confidentiality while talking with a UIHC chaplain, like many of us would. Later, she discovered that some information she shared was included in her son's medical chart.

She strongly objected. After a week, her request to have the information removed was granted.

UIHC officials said their chaplains are not required to inform patients or families what information they provide will be included in the medical record. Other Corridor hospitals' practices vary.

Leichty believes the UIHC policy is flawed, not all wrong. She suggests “just a little disclosure” upfront.

Why not require chaplains to advise patients and family members that their discussions could become part of the medical record?

That makes sense, too. Then, it's clearly up to the patient or family member to decide what to share.

Upfront disclosure also would seem to match the intent of the Association of Professional Chaplains' code of ethics. The non-profit APC provides training and other assistance for more than 4,000 members. The APC's code state that “Members shall respect the privacy of all persons.”

It goes on to say that, when sharing private information about those they serve, they should follow the policies of the hospital where they work. But the code also states that chaplains “shall guard the identities of those served in any consultation ... unless the person served has given the member (chaplain) written permission for disclosure of the relationship.” Conflicting messages?

Then clarify with some form of upfront disclosure. We don't think that would stifle the chaplain's role. Instead, it would enhance the mutual respect and trust that is vital to effectively serving patients and their families.