Truth telling and the dying patient: a conspiracy of silence?

This article reports on the findings of an ethnographic study of the terminal care of older dying patients in hospital. The study focused on the information given to 22 patients diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Using data from participant observation and ethnographic interviews, the research examined the strategies used to control information about terminal diagnosis. Several ethical implications were raised, such as truth telling and collusion. The article examines the implications of implementing ward disclosure norms based on closed awareness. It also considers the issues associated with developing a truth-telling culture.