Navigating Health Care Decisions in Complex Situations: The Privacy Management Challenges of Health Care Surrogates

Abstract

Conditions that impair patients’ communication abilities and cognitive functions often mean that health care surrogates make medical decisions on behalf of patients. These surrogate decision makers, often relatives of the patient, are faced with a variety of challenges, especially when it comes to coordinating the patient’s private health information. Drawing on Petronio’s (2002) theory of communication privacy management (CPM), this case explores the experience of Amber, who becomes a health care surrogate when her mother is unexpectedly incapacitated after a stroke. The case study raises important questions regarding the management of private health information, the role of surrogate decision makers, and the process of advance care planning.