Confidentiality and clients’ files: a survey of reported recording of sensitive information in educational psychology practice

Abstract

Interest is growing in producing guidelines about confidentiality of and access to clients’ files. One hundred and twenty-two educational psychologists (EPs) employed in local education authority (LEA) services in England and Wales completed and returned a questionnaire designed to estimate judgements about recording sensitive material in the course of conducting a psychological assessment. The study was undertaken to provide more data about what is currently being recorded by the individual EP. The findings suggest considerable variance in attitudes. Some respondents claim to record only occasionally or never record the same types of data or information that other professional colleagues would normally choose to record in a client’s file. Shortcomings about guidelines and knowledge of clients’ and parents’ rights are acknowledged with implications for services and training.