Question 32 (part 2) · LEK · Informing about health status

29-year-old mother was administered to the hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain, weight loss and itching ankles. Examination revealed advanced stage of cervical cancer with extensive metastases to other organs. Her state was considered too serious to eliminate with surgery. According to doctor’s assessment, patient has only few months of life left. In contrary to women’s plea, who wanted to know exactly her condition, the attending physician informs the patient and her husband that there is still no unambiguous diagnosis. Therefore, the patient will be discharged from the hospital and weekly examination ordered. Is his action consistent with Medical Code of Ethics and Medical and Dentist Profession Act?

1. AA. yes, if the prognosis is unfavourable and corroborating with patient’s wellbeing, both documents allow the doctor for withholding the information of diagnosis and prognosis.
2. BB. no, because in special situation, due to patient’s health, law allows for restricting information but not misleading the patient.
3. CC. no, Medical Code of Ethics and Medical and Dentist Profession Act indicate, that regarding prognosis, the doctor is obliged to provide the patient or his legal guardian with full information.
4. DD. yes, because both documents allow the doctor to withhold information about diagnosis, if he is certain that such information may discourage the patient to further treatment.
5. EE. no, because both documents release the doctor from the informative duty only on patient’s demand.