title: The importance of truth-telling in health care.
abstract: This article explores whether deception is ever justifiable in health care. It examines the concepts of truth-telling and deception. Possible reasons for the recent interest in truth-telling in health care are offered, including issues associated with deceiving patients. Wider arguments supporting and opposing deception in health care are considered before suggested alternatives to the use of deception in patient care are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. spcollis@talktalk.net
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Collis
mesh_terms: D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D014342:Truth Disclosure