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[Truth at the bedside in a historical overview]
1Institut für Medizin- und Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck.
Praxis
|April 2, 1996
Summary
The concept of informed consent in medicine, though formally named in 1957, has deep historical roots. Its evolution reflects societal, cultural, and ethical shifts influencing patient autonomy and medical practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- History of Medicine
- Bioethics
Background:
- The principles of truth-telling and information withholding in medicine are long-standing ethical considerations.
- The formal term 'informed consent' emerged in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1957.
- Understanding the historical trajectory of informed consent is crucial for contemporary medical practice.
Observation:
- The historical development of informed consent reveals diverse perspectives from medicine, theology, philosophy, arts, jurisprudence, and psychology.
- Key medical dimensions, including diagnosis, etiology, prognosis, and therapy, have been central to this evolution.
- Societal and cultural contexts significantly shape physician-patient communication and prevailing concepts of health, disease, and death.
Findings:
- The evolution of informed consent is not solely a medical issue but is interwoven with broader societal and intellectual histories.
- Different disciplines have contributed unique viewpoints to the understanding and application of informed consent.
- Physician-patient relationships are inherently influenced by the cultural milieu and dominant communication paradigms.
Implications:
- Recognizing the historical and cultural underpinnings of informed consent enhances ethical medical decision-making.
- A multidisciplinary understanding of informed consent is essential for navigating complex patient care scenarios.
- Future medical ethics must consider the dynamic interplay between societal values and patient rights.