Veracity in medicine

Abstract

The western legal theory of informed consent has had worldwide ramifications, but interpretation and application in clinical care are profoundly affected by cultural influences. [...]although informed consent has been endorsed by the Japan Medical Association since 1990, disclosure of a cancer diagnosis remains controversial. Withholding Mrs Novak's diagnosis would be extremely problematic with respect to potentially curative or palliative treatment, not only because it would make meaningful informed consent or informed refusal impossible (unless she is unable or unwilling to be involved in health-care decisions in any way), but also because of the burden imposed on the health-care team.