title: Communicating a schizophrenia diagnosis to patients and families: a qualitative study of mental health clinicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this research was to explore mental health clinicians' experiences and perceptions of discussing a diagnosis of schizophrenia with their patients. The results of this research will inform a communication skills training program for psychiatry trainees.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 mental health clinicians from public mental health services in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although most clinicians supported the need to give patients a named diagnosis of schizophrenia, most gave multiple reasons for not doing so in practice. The reasons given centered on concerns for the patient; they included fear of making an incorrect diagnosis, fear of the patient's distress, and harm from stigma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mental health clinicians need to reflect on their own feelings, examine personal identification with their patients, and recognize the subtle interplay of hope and pessimism in their communication of a schizophrenia diagnosis.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Outram
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Harsimrat
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sandhu
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vamos
authors.forename: Tomer T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: Yulia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Landa
authors.forename: Carma L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bylund-Lincoln
authors.forename: Carmel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loughland
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009517:New South Wales; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia