RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Unsolicited E-mails to Forensic Psychiatrists
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 470
OP 478
VO 44
IS 4
A1 Friedman, Susan Hatters
A1 Appel, Jacob M.
A1 Ash, Peter
A1 Frierson, Richard L.
A1 Giorgi-Guarnieri, Deborah
A1 Martinez, Richard
A1 Newman, Alan W.
A1 Pinals, Debra A.
A1 Resnick, Phillip J.
A1 Simpson, Alexander I. F.
YR 2016
UL http://jaapl.org/content/44/4/470.abstract
AB E-mail communication is pervasive. Since many forensic psychiatrists have their e-mail addresses available online (either on personal websites, university websites, or articles they have authored), they are likely to receive unsolicited e-mails. Although there is an emerging body of literature about exchanging e-mail with patients, there is little guidance about how to respond to e-mails from nonpatients. Therefore, we used a Delphi technique to develop a consensus about salient points for the forensic psychiatrist to consider regarding responding to e-mails from nonpatients and the risks entailed. Four scenarios are described, including e-mails from nonpatients and unknown others requesting advice or help. The potential ethics-related, legal, moral, and practical concerns for forensic psychiatrists are discussed. Finally, potential pitfalls for forensic psychiatrists are described.