PHLB09H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: American Medical Association, Professional Code Of Quebec, Paternalism
Document Summary
Principle of non-maleficence do no harm has been enshrined in medical ethics. Hippocratic oath does not mention an obligation of truth telling or disclosure and until. 1980 even the professional code of the american medical association did not say anything about dealing honestly with patients. Many physicians have viewed the truth as something to conceal or reveal for the therapeutic good of the patient. For them, the overriding principle was beneficence (or non-maleficence), which was best honored by delicately managing what patients knew about their own cases. In the age of patient autonomy, and informed consent, such strong paternalistic sentiments are less common. Most physicians value truth-telling and professional standards encourage it while counseling sensitivity in conveying vital info to patients (read over questions pg 144) Karen, a 30 year old woman with two small children, is admitted to the hospital after experiencing headaches, vomiting, memory loss, and partial paralysis.
