Truth-telling in clinical practice and the arguments for and against: A review of the literature

Journal article


Tuckett, Anthony G.. (2004). Truth-telling in clinical practice and the arguments for and against: A review of the literature. Nursing Ethics. 11(5), pp. 500 - 513. https://doi.org/10.1191/0969733004ne728oa
AuthorsTuckett, Anthony G.
Abstract

In general, most, but not necessarily all, patients want truthfulness about their health. Available evidence indicates that truth-telling practices and preferences are, to an extent, a cultural artefact. It is the case that practices among nurses and doctors have moved towards more honest and truthful disclosure to their patients. It is interesting that arguments both for and against truth-telling are established in terms of autonomy and physical and psychological harm. In the literature reviewed here, there is also the view that truth-telling is essential because it is an intrinsic good, while it is argued against on the grounds of the uncertainty principle. Based on this review, it is recommended that practitioners ought to ask patients and patients’ families what informational requirements are preferred, and research should continue into truth-telling in clinical practice, particularly to discover its very nature as a cultural artefact, and the other conditions and contexts in which truth-telling may not be preferred.

Keywordsarguments against; arguments for; clinical practice; truth-telling
Year2004
JournalNursing Ethics
Journal citation11 (5), pp. 500 - 513
PublisherSage Publications Ltd.
ISSN0969-7330
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1191/0969733004ne728oa
Scopus EID2-s2.0-4944230872
Page range500 - 513
Research GroupSchool of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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