Ethical Dilemma: Autonomy Versus Veracity

Abstract

Ethical principles have to be applied by health care providers as well as by organization even in challenging conditions. This case study discusses, through the case of a patient with poor prognosis of lung cancer. The ethical dilemma of telling truth and withholding information about diagnosis. The respect for autonomy is necessary for patients. Health care providers must respect for ethical principles. This case study also discusses the implication of controversies and issues related to telling truth relevant to clinical practice. A 50-years old female, having two children visits hospital with a history of lung tumor she has her last visit with doctor with the family. The family was shocked with the news that metastatic lung cancer was suspected. Due to worsened condition, she was suffering with intestinal obstruction, vomiting and difficulty in breathing. She came to know of her worse condition and denied to seek medical and surgical treatment. Laparotomy was performed, nasogastric tube and urinary catheter passed. Patient was refusing to any treatment which put the physician family in a complicated situation. They wanted to respect and honor her own wishes but on the other hand they also encouraged her to taking the treatments. Meanwhile, the medical team informed her family with an incurable diagnose. The family was nervous and requested the physician to hide this bad news from the patient. She was trusted that her disease is curable. A week later, was a wedding ceremony of her daughter and her family planned wedding her discharge from the hospital. Her family and physician were alert of her diagnosis but both were hiding the truth about her condition. They obscured the truth and this created a painful situation for the family and concerning health care professional. Veracity: Healthcare should tell the truth about terminal illness. Autonomy: The principle of autonomy states is individual right to make decisions. Social, political and ethical morals concepts that give individuals the right to make their own choices. Patient’s autonomy should be respected in any circumstances. In this case, autonomy is not respected by the family and Healthcare provider and the patient was unaware of her lung cancer which is terminal diagnose.