Diagnostic processes and disclosure: A survey of practitioners diagnosing cognitive impairment

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dc.citation.issue2
dc.citation.volume43
dc.contributor.authorMcKinlay A
dc.contributor.authorLeathem J
dc.contributor.authorMerrick P
dc.date.available2014
dc.date.issued2014-07
dc.description.abstractThe literature reports widespread variation in practitioners’ disclosure of a dementia diagnosis, though it is currently unclear what factors influence this difference in practice. 57 New Zealand based practitioners completed an online questionnaire relating to how they reach a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and under what circumstances (if any) a diagnosis might be withheld from a client. The findings indicate that a diagnosis of cognitive impairment is never completely withheld by practitioners. All qualitative responses were analysed using conventional content analysis. Practitioners noted more positive consequences associated with disclosing a diagnosis to their clients, suggesting that providing a diagnosis is perceived by practitioners as helpful for people experiencing cognitive impairment. This study adds to the field of ethics and diagnostic disclosure in that it highlights what specific factors are considered when a practitioner chooses how to relay a cognitive impairment diagnosis to their client. Such considerations include when disclosure conflicts with the clients wishes, lack of insight, and the presence of other illnesses. Ongoing research on the subject of disclosure is needed as the number of adults who will experience cognitive impairment is predicted to rise.
dc.description.publication-statusPublished
dc.format.extent20 - 31
dc.identifierhttp://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000214435300003&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=c5bb3b2499afac691c2e3c1a83ef6fef
dc.identifier.citationNEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY, 2014, 43 (2), pp. 20 - 31
dc.identifier.eissn1179-7924
dc.identifier.elements-id218871
dc.identifier.issn0112-109X
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10179/5989
dc.publisherNew Zealand Psychological Society
dc.relation.isPartOfNEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY
dc.subjectcognitive impairment
dc.subjectdiagnosis
dc.subjectdisclosure
dc.subjectattitudes
dc.subjectethics
dc.titleDiagnostic processes and disclosure: A survey of practitioners diagnosing cognitive impairment
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.notesNot known
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Humanities and Social Sciences
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Humanities and Social Sciences/School of Psychology
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