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Truth-telling in clinical practice and the arguments for and against: A review of the literature
Tuckett, Anthony G.
Tuckett, Anthony G.
Author
Abstract
In general, most, but not necessarily all, patients want truthfulness about their health. Available evidence indicates that truth-telling practices and preferences are, to an extent, a cultural artefact. It is the case that practices among nurses and doctors have moved towards more honest and truthful disclosure to their patients. It is interesting that arguments both for and against truth-telling are established in terms of autonomy and physical and psychological harm. In the literature reviewed here, there is also the view that truth-telling is essential because it is an intrinsic good, while it is argued against on the grounds of the uncertainty principle. Based on this review, it is recommended that practitioners ought to ask patients and patients’ families what informational requirements are preferred, and research should continue into truth-telling in clinical practice, particularly to discover its very nature as a cultural artefact, and the other conditions and contexts in which truth-telling may not be preferred.
Keywords
arguments against, arguments for, clinical practice, truth-telling
Date
2004
Type
Journal article
Journal
Nursing Ethics
Book
Volume
11
Issue
5
Page Range
500-513
Article Number
ACU Department
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Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled