Therapeutic privilege

Therapeutic Privilege

Therapeutic privilege (/θɛrəˈpjuːtɪk ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ/), also known as therapeutic exception, is a concept in medical ethics that allows a physician to withhold information about a patient's diagnosis or prognosis if the physician believes that disclosing this information would likely cause harm to the patient. The term is derived from the Greek words "therapeia" meaning healing and "privilegium" meaning a law for or against any individual.

History

The concept of therapeutic privilege has its roots in the Hippocratic Oath, which advises physicians to benefit their patients according to their best judgment. However, the application of this principle has evolved over time, particularly with the advent of patient autonomy and informed consent.

Application

Therapeutic privilege is typically invoked in situations where the physician believes that the patient may become distressed, anxious, or depressed upon learning their diagnosis or prognosis. However, the use of therapeutic privilege is controversial, as it can conflict with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent.

Related Terms

• Medical Ethics
• Physician
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Patient Autonomy
• Informed Consent
• Distress
• Anxiety
• Depression

See Also

• Beneficence
• Nonmaleficence
• Autonomy
• Justice

External Links

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Therapeutic privilege
• Wikipedia's article - Therapeutic privilege

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