Is therapeutic lying contradictory to person-centred care? Toward understanding the connection

There is a lack of clarity about therapeutic lying in the context of everyday dementia care. This study provides conceptual clarity on how the term is used and considers the concept in relation to person-centred care.

Rodgers' (1989) evolutionary framework of concept analysis was employed. A systematic multiple database search was conducted and supplemented with snowballing techniques. Data were analysed thematically through an iterative process of constant comparison.

This study highlighted that therapeutic lying is intended to be used in the person's best interests for the purpose of doing good. However, its potential for doing harm is also evident. Its use in the literature has increased with the general trend towards becoming more accepted in the discourse. A continuum emerged depending on the degree to which a lie departs from the truth. Emerging guidelines were also evident as to when a lie could or could not be justified.

The term therapeutic lying, was contrasted with aspects of person-centred care and was found to be problematic. We conclude that there may be more pragmatic ways of constructing language around the care of people with dementia which could be less stigmatising.