Timing of Information

A 50-year-old woman with chronic respiratory failure underwent successful lung transplantation. Prior to the transplantation she received thorough information about the risks of treatment, including the increased risk for malignancy due to immunosuppressive medication. After the transplantation she was optimistic and looked forward to being a mother and a wife again. A few weeks after the transplantation, however, the physician responsible learnt that autopsy of the donor had revealed malignancy. It is thought that transplant recipients have an additional high risk of developing the type of tumor the donor had. Accordingly, the doctor felt that he had a duty to inform the patient about this. He also feared a lawsuit if the information was withheld.

• Could the new information have a negative effect on the woman? How?
• Was this information in the best interests of the patient and her family? Why? Why not?
• Are there consequences of providing information counterproductive to the healing process? If so, what are the consequences?
• Should fear of a lawsuit determine your decisions? Why? Why not?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

J Med Ethics 2005;31:73–77. doi: 10.1136/jme.2003.003954