Guideline 8: Family requests for nondisclosure of information
8 out of 11Specific Strategies
Show empathy and attempt to understand and address the family member's reasons for requesting nondisclosure.
- Try to be respectful, inquisitive, and empathic when faced with such requests. 23
- Try to understand and address why the family carer does not want information disclosed. 50-52
[Understand]: “What is it that you don’t want [patient] to know? Can you tell me why you want to keep this information from them so I can understand?”
[Address] “You said that you think that [patient] will give up if they find out they have cancer. That’s an important and common concern. In fact, we know from surveys that most patients want to know their diagnosis. Mostly they have an idea what is wrong with them, and it can be a relief to know for sure. As well, it helps them to understand the treatments and gives them more control. Research has shown that knowing this information does not change patients’ health or prognosis. What do you think about this now?”
- Suggest that you start by asking the patient their understanding of their situation, and how much they want to know about their illness.
- Make it clear that you will answer the patient's questions honestly, and follow the patient’s wishes for the amount and type of information you give. 50,52
“I would like to talk to [patient] and ask [her/him] what she thinks is happening, and what [she/he] would like to know about the illness”.
“I want to reassure you that I will not force information upon [patient] that they does not want to know. I will, however, always answer [patient's] questions truthfully and I will need their consent before we go ahead with any treatments”.
- Encourage continued clinician-family partnership. 51
“I respect your concern for [patient], let’s keep working together to support [him/her] through this illness”.
OVERALL COMPLETION
