Sharing mental health information with carers: pointers to good practice for service providers

It is possible that effective information-sharing strategies to improve the quality of care can be developed. Service users, carers and professionals should all be involved in generating such strategies. The ideal information-sharing strategy can be tailored to individuals' needs and requires professionals to make carefully weighted judgements. Professionals need training to help them to understand the roles of carers and to work with carers effectively. Training should be accredited in order to encourage attendance. Fear about breaching patient confidentiality has frequently created a barrier to effective involvement of carers in mental health care.