Doctor Dilemma: Don’t Tell Dad He Has Cancer
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University have collaborated on a project designed to help physicians negotiate with family members wanting them to withhold a bad diagnosis from a patient.
Doctors and patients rights advocates generally regard nondisclosure requests from someone other than the patient as contrary to medical ethics, nonetheless relatives with good intentions sometimes adamantly oppose releasing distressing information to a loved one. Medical professionals who view the nondisclosure request as unethical have been known to react inappropriately or get drawn into emotional disputes.
The team’s investigation led them to develop suggestions for handling confrontation which include tips on how to start a productive conversation addressing the concerns of all the parties involved. According to Robert Arnold, MD, co-author of the study, effective negotiation is the key to a successful outcome in these sensitive situations. As the doctor explained,
“We propose that by understanding the cultural factors that underlie divergent points of views and the use of the skillful negotiation techniques, a balanced solution can be reached that satisfies all parties – the patient, family and physician.”
Robert M. Arnold, MD
Professor of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
One of the approaches suggested by the team encourages providers to begin the dialogue by asking family members about their specific reservations rather than using a categorical “we can’t do that” response.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Stanford-Pitt project and their recommendations, their findings are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Source: Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh
Related Links: cancerandcareers.org; curesearch.org; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; agingwithdignity.org; kidshealth.org; patient.co.uk; News-Medical.net
Related Podcast: When the Doctor Says Cancer from People Living With Cancer
Tags: James Hallenbeck, MD; Jewish Healthcare Foundation; Ladies Hospital Aid Society of Western Pennsylvania; National Center for Palliative Care Research; VA Palo Alto Health Care System
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