[Truth at bedside in relation to poor prognosis. Legal aspects]

Adjudicary decisions dating from the past have demanded unqualified enlightenment of the patient about his illness. Physicians could disregard this requirement only if there was a danger that this policy might result in severe, irreversible and permanent damage. This interpretation seems too narrow. The physician must carefully weigh what he can and must demand of the patient, depending on the personal situation. Neither rigorous truth at any cost nor the principle of concealment of the hopelessness for the patient's condition is correct. Telling the patient the truth "costs" the physician personal involvement, explanation and human assistance.