A Patient's Right to Obtain Medical Information Versus the Role of Their Family in the Course of Treatment

Abstract

A patient's right to obtain medical information is one of patients' as well as human fundamental rights. The issue regarding medical information, its scope, and potential recipients thereof, gives rise to a great deal of controversy concerning the physician-patient relationship. It is subject to debate whether or not to reveal the whole truth about a serious prognosis, and who is to be informed – the patient or their family – of the medical condition, course of treatment, and prognosis. According to the Medical Code of Ethics, an inpatient has a right to be helped by their family or friends, and to meet a priest, hence a physician should treat the family of a patient with respect and consideration (Art. 19).