Patient Deception Essay

Patient Deception: A Question of Ethics

A physician is often tasked with a very difficult task of informing their patient about their diagnosis. The medical professional may choose to completely disclose the diagnosis or withhold details that can “aggravate” the situation. It is argued that deception can help the patient by not bringing down their mental health or even that the whole truth cannot be revealed in medical cases. In most cases, the deception carried out by a medical professional is morally impermissible as it undermines and disrespects a patient's autonomy and goes against the doctor's responsibility of removing them from harm.

There is often debate of exactly what or how much information a physician should disclose. Physicians should disclose enough information to where a patient is informed and aware of any risks of treatment. Respecting autonomy should be the number one priority because it protects the patient’s right to know what is going on with their health and allows them to make personal decisions regarding their health. In 1958,

In these cases, it is argued that it is morally permissible for a physician to deceive a patient. The medical professional violates the patient's autonomy so he can regain his health. According to Cullen and Klein, “It is easy to overestimate the extent to which lying to a patient will be useful in helping him regan his health” (160). There is lack of data for their claim that it is easy to overestimate the actual benefit of deception in the patient’s regaining of his or her health. Serious medical conditions require the patient’s full attention to and participation in a proper treatment regimen. Respect for the patient’s autonomy requires that the patient know the facts about their health state so they can be well prepared for their