Ethics Vignette XIII: Deception and Non-Disclosure-Deception and Non-Disclosure

Deception and Non-Disclosure

Pdf Summary

The case involving a 48-year-old construction worker with lower back pain who is seeking further testing due to concerns about a potential serious underlying condition highlights ethical dilemmas related to deception in healthcare. Physicians may consider deception to help patients gain benefits like insurance coverage, disability, or work accommodations, believing they are acting in the patient's best interest. However, deception can harm trust in physicians, undermine societal trust, and violate contractual agreements with third parties like insurers. Deception to justify medical tests or benefits may lead to legal consequences and erode the patient-physician relationship. Physicians should exhaust all alternatives before resorting to deception, considering the potential long-term harms of dishonesty. Patients requesting deception also have ethical responsibilities, and physicians should engage them in discussions about the implications of deceit.<br /><br />The document emphasizes the need to consider whether deception is truly necessary to achieve important health benefits for patients. Physicians should prioritize truthful communication while exploring alternative approaches to supporting patients. Deception can have far-reaching consequences beyond immediate benefits, affecting societal trust, medical reimbursements, and relationships among healthcare professionals. By promoting honesty, transparency, and thorough exploration of options, physicians can navigate ethical dilemmas responsibly and uphold the integrity of patient care and professional relationships.

Keywords

construction worker

lower back pain

ethical dilemmas

deception in healthcare

trust in physicians

patient-physician relationship

insurance coverage

legal consequences

honesty in healthcare

professional relationships