Serbian primary care physicians’ perspectives on adolescents’ right to confidentiality in sexual and reproductive healthcare—a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Abstract Background In prominent international documents and professional position papers, confidentiality was recognized as a necessary condition for effective reproductive healthcare of adolescents. Although legally guaranteed, it is questionable if the right to confidentiality of adolescents is respected in healthcare practice in Serbia. Objectives To assess primary care physicians’ perspectives on the legal right of minors to confidentiality in sexual and reproductive healthcare, as well as their experiences in practice. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 12 primary care pediatricians and gynecologists at several municipalities of the city of Belgrade were performed. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis method. Results Most interviewees were aware of their legal obligations and support the general idea of granting adolescents the right to confidentiality. They recognized that the lack of confidentiality assurances prevents adolescents’ access to sensitive care. However, physicians expressed concerns regarding medical situations when parents should be notified, which was reflected in their inconsistent respect of said right in actual practice. Several organizational obstacles were emphasized by interviewees, including insufficient number of physicians, time constraints, poor access to gynecological services and vague definitions of legal provisions. Conclusion If the aim is for adolescents’ right to confidentiality to be consistently respected in practice, primary care physicians need to be systematically educated about legal provisions and given comprehensive clinical guidelines. The general positive attitude towards confidentiality expressed by the primary care physicians implies that a possibility exists to engage them as main advocates for improvements in access to the necessary health care.