Are clinical records really that important? the dearth of research and practice guidelines in MFT literature

In Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), case notes can play an important role in providing quality care and in maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. Case notes are invaluable for clinicians on many different levels: clinically, ethically, and legally. In this article, we will highlight the many uses of case notes within the field and will give examples of what problems may occur when case notes are not adequately, thoroughly, and timely kept. We also provide a review of all research-based information available on this topic over a fifteen-year period. The results of the review are disheartening as this area has received no empirical attention in MFT Literature. We call attention to this dearth of information and give suggestions regarding future research and training.