Truth Telling In Medicine Flashcards
Should patients ever be deceived?
UNCERTAINTY
Doctors can only tell patients the truth if they know the truth themselves. They may not know the truth in many cases and this prevents them from telling the truth.
–> telling the truth requires that we do not deliberately mislead the patient. If we do not know the truth then we can admit that we do not know.
BENEFICENCE
Doctors ought to do what will promote/preserve the happiness of their patients. Sometimes lying serves this purpose, therefore sometimes doctors ought to lie.
–> no other professional would lie to preserve happinesseg acocutnant would not tell you that you’re not bankrupt. The general argument is that doctors should act in patients best interests to make them happy. This is highly paternalistic and patients want to know the truth. Telling the truth in this case is to uphold patient autonomy. Patients can decide for themselves what is in their best interests.
It can be difficult to explain technically difficult subjects and it is wSier to lie about them. This is poor communication skills. It should be explained in terms the patient can understand.
NON-MALEFICENCE
Higgs accepts that sometimes telling the truth in medicine does cause harm to s often due to the manner in which the truth is told. This does not provide an argument for withholding the truth,but for expressing it in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Is lying always wrong?
Lying may be justified in some cases. It is justified in cases where there is no other alternative . E.g. When the patient is dying and telling the truth would cause definite negative effects.
Why is openness in medical practice essential?
Patient autonomy must always be respected by doctors. If a patient wants to know the truth then they should be told it.
Patients and public must be able to trust the profession.
