Medical Ethics: Concealing the Truth from Patients

The decision to conceal the truth from patients in critical conditions requires a high degree of analysis and consideration. Therefore, there is no clear answer to whether lying is warranted as it depends on a variety of factors. They include patients’ condition, family situation, and the potential implications of telling the truth. However, the decision should be based on the mental well-being of patients. For instance, doctors should not sugarcoat the truth if they see that their patients are psychologically stable and are prepared for any information that may come their way. In some cases, it is the patients’ family that cannot deal well with an unfavorable prognosis. Those patients whose ‘headspace’ has been significantly undermined by the burden of diseases should be treated with caution and empathy. Thus, doctors should act in the best interests of both physical and psychological well-being.