The Ethics of Communication in Palliative Care

Abstract

The importance of good communication between patient and professional in palliative care is emphasized, its role in care defined and its place in obtaining the patient's valid consent described. The limitations placed on it by the need for confidentiality are discussed and the type of communication required for disclosure of the diagnosis and prognosis to the patient is considered. This article is written in terms of the doctor—patient relationship, but in the full recognition that palliative care is a team activity and that all members of the team share in communication with the patient. However, the doctor is normally the leader of the team and the principles of the ethics of communication which apply to him (or her) also apply to the other members of the team who share in the care of the patient.