Publication: Patients’ attitude towards concept of right to know
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To ascertain patients’ attitude towards concept of right to know about Terminal cancer
Materials and methods: Questionnaire was constructed that included demographic and clinical information
distributed to 500 OPD patients and interviewed them at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Results: 500 OPD patients completed questionnaire along with interview. 63.4% of patients wanted to know
diagnosis, 41.2% wanted to know about prognosis and 13% wanted to make own end of life decision-making about
the terminal cancer. Similarly, 89% of patients wanted to tell diagnosis to their family members and 83% wanted to
tell prognosis. The view for disclosure rate is different when one is as patient and as family member (63.4% versus
34.4%). Elderly people are more likely to know the prognosis and educated and Brahmin people are more likely to
make their own end of life decision-making.
Conclusion: Findings of the study indicated that most patients want to be informed about their terminal illness.
Physicians should realize that patients and family units might differ in their attitude therefore; truth telling should
depend on what the patients want to know and are prepared to know.
Key words: attitude, patient, right to know (autonomy), terminal illness
Description
D, Hari
MDGP ER Registrar B&B Hospital
Z, Mark
Director of NSI
D, Bharati
BHMS, M.Phil. Clinical Psychology
P, Khadka
MS Lecturer