Having recently completed a series of in depth qualitative interviews with mental health professionals, carers and service users it becomes apparent that confidentiality is the most frequent barrier to relatives' involvement. Mental Health professionals seem to avoid/ignore/refuse talking to or even listening to relatives in the name of confidentiality. Evidently, this is against clinical guidelines (e.g. NICE for schizophrenia).
In the current economy, and given the emphasis on the care in the community, surely this is not cost effective or 'simply' right.