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Religion, Health and Confidentiality: An Exploratory Review of the Role of Chaplains

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Abstract

Chaplaincy has traditionally been considered a profession highly respectful of confidentiality. Nevertheless, given increasing professional collaboration within health and welfare contexts, plus the requirements of intervention reporting and the ease of technological data sharing, it is possible that confidentiality may be sacrificed for the sake of expediency. This exploratory review considers the literature relating to the role of chaplaincy and confidentiality that suggests a number of principles which should be considered by chaplaincy associations/organizations to ensure appropriate professional practice and the holistic health and well-being of patients/clients. Recommendations are made for the development of specific policies and procedures, confidentiality training programs and further research for developing universal protocols relating to chaplains and their handling of confidential information.

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Notes

  1. Traditionally, a confessional is an enclosed booth (most often utilised within Roman Catholic Church, but also some Anglican and Lutheran Churches) which is used for the sacrament of penance, often called confession. The confessional is designed to keep the identity of the confessor anonymous. What is confessed within the confessional is to be held with absolutely confidentiality by clergy.

  2. “Apprise the medical profession”, under Frierson’s (1977) model would be a form of ‘professional confidentiality’ (refer Table 3).

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Acknowledgments

Appreciation is acknowledged to Ms. Kylie Breheny for her supportive contribution to this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Palliative Care Unit, School of Public Health, La Trobe University, City Campus, 215 Franklin St., Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Lindsay B. Carey & Lillian Krikheli

  2. Royal Australian Air Force Chaplaincy Branch, Department of Defence, Canberra, Australia

    Mark A. Willis

  3. Faculty Librarian, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia

    Annette O’Brien

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  1. Lindsay B. Carey
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  4. Annette O’Brien
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Correspondence to Lindsay B. Carey.

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Carey, L.B., Willis, M.A., Krikheli, L. et al. Religion, Health and Confidentiality: An Exploratory Review of the Role of Chaplains. J Relig Health 54, 676–692 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9931-2

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