Fan And Li's Argumentative Analysis

Reconstruction

There are vast dissimilarities between Western medical practices and Confucian Chinese traditions in regards to the concept of truth-telling. Fan’s and Li’s article, which focuses on the Chinese perspective, asserts that under certain conditions, it is morally acceptable to withhold information to the patient about their illness. This is only allowable if both the family and the physician concur with the decisions. The main argument being made by Fan and Li is that non-disclosure will ultimately benefit the patient since it will alleviate the trauma and anxiety that ensues with the news of a fatal illness (p. 69). Often times, patients have had destructive reactions upon a diagnosis of a terminal disease. Therefore, physicians and families have favored

non-disclosure for the welfare of the patient. Consequently, this tends to lead to amicable collaboration between the physician and family, which corresponds to efficient treatment plans.

Analysis
Although Fan’s and Li’s viewpoint may be perceived as problematic by Western standards, they do provide compelling points. They employ consequences of disclosing the facts to the patient despite the family’s wishes as a device to justify their case. For instance, Fan and Li indicate that some families have sued against physicians for revealing details to the patient. Other occurrences include patients committing suicide after discovering the severity of their circumstances. By using this tactic, it urges people to see the ethical aspects of non-disclosure. People will want what is best for their family even if it entails omitting facts to the patient.
Furthermore, Fan and Li are able to persuade the readers by including the part about the Chinese law that requires information to be revealed to the family. This is effective because people tend to associate law with rightfulness. Since the family is aware about the patient’s state of health, it allows them to make important decisions that will most benefit the patient. Conclusively, there appears to be a mutual understanding from the physician’s side and the patient’s position concerning non-disclosure. Incorporating this helps to strengthen their case because it subdues the skeptics who think that patients are forced to oblige by the traditions.

Comment
I do not completely agree with Fan and Lin. However, I cannot disregard their points either, especially in reference to the importance of family. Family is a vital part of most people’s lives, so the family should be informed about their loved one’s state of health. The family can provide the support and love that will be valuable to the patient. Essentially, it complies with Chinese laws and Confucian Moral Vision. I think the imperative part of this perspective is that the physician and the family have input to make sure the decisions they are making are in the best interests for the patient. Moreover, non-disclosure is a helpful idea because it can prevent detrimental events from occurring. After the patients discover the seriousness of their situation, they can be rash in their choices and opt for a pessimistic outlook in life. That impulsiveness can lead to the patients refusing treatments and discounting the physician’s recommendations.
As far as the Western approach concerns, confidentiality is regarded as a fundamental basis of the relationship between a physician and a patient.

One could view disclosing the extent of the patient’s health to someone other than the patient as an invasion of privacy. In accordance with that notion, patients should have the right to do what they wish, without worrying about the physician compromising their wishes. If the physician discovers something abnormal, the patient should be the first to be notified about their medical conditions and given the choice whether to disclose it. Many significant decisions are needed to be made throughout the course of the treatments. Lack of communication or conflicting views may prompt the family to make wrong decisions that opposes the patient’s desires. Moreover, as the disease progresses, the patient will eventually have somewhat of an inclination of what is taking place in the body regardless of the non-disclosures. Conclusively, there are both beneficial and negative features of Fan’s and Lin’s argument. Concocting an intermediate between Western medical practices and traditional Chinese practices can prove to be challenging due to the blatant

differences.