Reaction to Truth Telling among Israeli Physicians

Abstract

This inquiry centers on the issue of truth telling from a physician's perspective. Thirty-two doctors practicing in a large general hospital in Israel responded to a questionnaire on truth telling. Findings suggest that physicians who are Orthodox Jews are less likely to inform patients of their illness in contrast to doctors whose orientation is Conservative Judaism or nonreligious. The rationale for a number of these responses and teachings is based upon Jewish religious Halacha (Law). Findings indicate that doctors judge patients individually based on their physical and psychological state. We also suggest that physicians convey hope, involve the family, and view truth telling as their exclusive right. Tentative observations suggest that Israeli doctors tend to be more liberal in truth telling than their American counterparts.