ABSTRACT

This chapter examines issues to do with the use of clinical material, the process of seeking to obtain permission to publish clinical material and the current thinking about and exploration of ethical concerns and dilemmas in relation to this process. The use of clinical material goes to the very heart of clinical work and challenges it on many different levels each requiring serious thought and profound ethical considerations. Patients' rights to privacy and confidentiality have to be considered together with the requirements of continuing professional development and proofs of clinical competence and effectiveness. Clinical writing is not just about narcissistic gratification of the author seeing themselves in print applauded by colleagues. There is real need if the profession is to develop and deepen, for clinicians to risk the travail of writing about their work with their patients if the profession is to remain alive.