Table 4 Summary of themes, subthemes, definitions, and quotes from physician interviews

Attitudes Toward Data Sharing

Inability of patients to make decisions

Patients cannot make decisions regarding their care due to unconsciousness, cognitive impairment, or any other condition that could compromise their capacity to make decisions

“I only share a patient’s medical information when the patient is incapable of comprehending or has a mental impairment or incapable of making decisions regarding his health” (P2INT31)

Family involvement due to concerns

Physicians felt the necessity to share information with family members and get them involved to address concerns related to the patient’s condition

“if the patient has a serious medical condition that is life-threatening or limits the quality of life, or if the patient is a threat to him/herself or others.” (P3 FM35)

Pressure from family members

Physicians experienced pressure from patients’ family members to share patient information with them

“It is tough to hide it from the patients’ families. They constantly pressure us to share all the details” (P5 ANES27)

Significance of Patient Confidentiality

Building patient trust

The importance of confidentiality in building trust and effective therapeutic relationship between patients and physicians

“If you share patients’ medication information, you will lose their trust. Some families cannot deal with or understand mental illness” (P7PSYC29)

Preventing harm to patients

Protecting patients’ information prevents potential harm to psychological and emotional well-being, and relationships

“It is essential to keep patients’ medical information confidential. Sharing patients’ private information may affect their psychological well-being” (P5 ANES27)