Question

Should doctors tell the truth? by Joseph Collins challenges that idea. Collins makes the argument that telling patients the truth about their medical condition is not always what is best for them and backs it up with some real life examples from his own practice. We have now gotten to the end of the initial Dr. Death podcast (before new updates were added). Please feel free to discuss if you feel their was justice for Dr. Duntsch's patients, what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again, or any other thoughts you might have on the podcast. Please feel free to react and give your opinion on any topic from the readings or beyond that are of interest to you.

Answer 1

Patients thoughts and feelings contributes in the recovery from a disease. Mental status does result in some physical changes in the body. Studies have shown that due to placebo effect many of the patiens have overcome their conditions.

When a patient is told that he has a condition which cannot be recovered , it is more likely that he will have psychological stress. Councelling such patients and giving them hope is much more important.

We should understand that body has its own immune system to fight against any kind of disease. Right diet and mental health can help in recovery.

Doctors when hiding the condition of a patient can reduce the psychological stress that they are going to face. But , doing that will not help the patients to make life style changes that can be beneficial for them. Councelling them and letting them know how to resolve the issue will be a wise choice.