Volume 8, Issue 2 (June 2021)
Health Spiritual Med Ethics 2021, 8(2): 133-140 |
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Mashayekhi J, saeedi tehrani S, Rezaei Adaryani M. A New Perspective on Challenges in Truth-telling to
Patients. Health Spiritual Med Ethics 2021; 8 (2) :133-140
URL: http://jhsme.muq.ac.ir/article-1-387-en.html
URL: http://jhsme.muq.ac.ir/article-1-387-en.html
1- Medical Ethics Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. AND, Department of Philosophy and Ethics of Health, Faculty of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
3- Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,s.saeeditehrani@yahoo.com
2- Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. AND, Department of Philosophy and Ethics of Health, Faculty of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
3- Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (2051 Views)
| Background and Objectives: Patient autonomy is a recognized principle in modern medical ethics, and truth-telling to the patient; thus, it holds special importance for its contribution to this principle. In practice, however, several challenges emerge that can lead to different responses. This difference is more marked in studies conducted in the Eastern and Muslim countries due to variations in cultural and religious beliefs. Truth-telling is a challenging concept respecting placebos, medical errors, and delivering bad news on diagnosis and treatment to patients. Methods: This study employed an unsystematic review of library and online sources, as well as databases, including Google Scholar, Springer, PubMed, Ovid, and relevant Persian papers in an attempt to provide an overview of this concept and study the Islamic view, particularly the Shi’ite perspective, and the predominant approaches employed in Muslim countries. Results: Islamic scripture and hadith strongly advocate honesty and truth-telling. However, maleficence to patients and exposing them to serious harm is unallowed, and withholding the whole or a part of the truth; even lying is justified in extreme cases. Conclusion: Essentially, the philosophy of medicine is based on helping patients and reducing their pains. Considering the unique condition of each patient, a perfect solution cannot be prescribed for all of them and the same strategy to manage all cases. The emphasis on truth-telling in the Islamic view is no less than other schools of thought. However, if disclosing the truth may expose the patient to certain, serious biopsychological risks, denying the whole or a part of the truth might be advisable; even in frequent cases, lying can be justified to protect the patient. |
Keywords: Physician-patient relationship, Truth disclosure, Muslims, Delivering bad news, Error disclosure
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2020/07/1 | Accepted: 2021/08/1 | Published: 2021/11/10
Received: 2020/07/1 | Accepted: 2021/08/1 | Published: 2021/11/10
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