Enhancing Confidentiality within Small Groups: The Experiences of AIDS Service Organizations

Fear that others will not maintain confidentiality can prevent persons living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) from participating in small groups. This article reports on practices for enhancing confidentiality among group members. The research involved surveying group workers on practices used to promote confidentiality and providing PHAs opportunity to share their perspectives. Group workers most frequently reported discussing confidentiality with group members, modelling respect of confidentiality, and seeking member agreement to maintain confidentiality. They also shared suggestions and described challenges related to maintaining confidentiality. Overall, the PHAs agreed with the reported practices. However, differences did emerge around the use and emphasis of certain means, such as the use of signed agreements.