The right to information for the terminally ill patient

Author(s): PerezCarceles, M. D., Esteban, M. A., Luna, A.

Journal/Book: J Med Ethics. 1998; 24: Tavistock House East, Tavistock Square, London, England WC1H 9JR. Prof Sci Publ. 106-109.

Abstract: Objectives-To analyse the attitudes of medical personnel towards terminally ill patients and their right to be fully informed. Design-Self-administered questionnaire composed of 56 closed questions. Setting-Three general hospitals and eleven health centres in Granada (Spain). The sample comprised 168 doctors and 207 nurses. Results-A high percentage of medical personnel (24.1%) do not think that informing the terminally ill would help them face their illness with greater serenity. Eighty-four per cent think the patient's own home is the best place to die: 8.9% of the subjects questioned state that they would not like to be informed of an incurable illness. Conclusion-In our opinion any information given should depend on the patient's personality, the stage of the illness and family circumstances. Our study confirms that a hospital is not the ideal environment for attending to the needs of the terminally ill and their families.

Note: Article Osuna E, Univ Murcia, Sch Med, Dept Legal Med, E-30100 Murcia, SPAIN

Keyword(s): attitude; information; physician; nurse; terminal care; PALLIATIVE MEDICINE; EDUCATION; LIFE; CARE; END

Zurück | Weiter