Sugarcoating Truth

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Honesty is key in medical situations, but can it be beneficial to withhold the truth? Most patients expect the truth, but there are cases when it may seem to be more beneficial to disclose information. Understandably, it is normally quite hard for patients to receive the truth. Delivery of truth is important, but there is not much else to do. Could it be better to withhold the truth in certain situations, such as people who may not be able to handle it, a dying patient, or even requests to not release truth? It is it ultimately better or worse to tell or conceal the truth in any kind of medical situation?
It is important for a doctor to be completely honest with the patient. After all, a patient puts trust in their doctor. They expect the truth and should receive the truth. It does not matter if the doctor feels uncomfortable or are scared of sharing the truth. If doctors are not sharing the truth or lying, it can affect the patient in many different ways. To summarize what Dr. Steven Pantilat said in his article, “Truth Telling” from USCF School of Medicine, the patient may no longer trust them and it can affect their decision making regarding their health.
Lying and sugarcoating is a hazard. Once again, …show more content…
James F. France in his article “Honesty in Medicine: should doctors tell the truth?” from the University of Chili, doctors are sometimes asked to make decisions regarding the situation of the patient without communicating relevant information. Dr. James France goes onto say that this does not violate no major ethical principle. However, Dr. France continues and says that clinical judgement is required because even in some cases a patient who asks to not be told the truth, needs to know the truth. If the truth is now revealed to the patient it may create dangers to their own self or others. If this is the issue, a patient’s request to withhold the truth should not be carried out because it violates the principles of beneficence and

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