By Roy B, Sessions, MD, FACS
Source: topnews.ae |
In my most recent blog, The Redefinition of Hope, I promoted a more flexible characterization of hope among cancer patients by contending that goals less ambitious than an actual cure ought to be part of the new vocabulary. Time for closure in life, restating affections, mending friendships, a tranquil death, and other desirables were cited as examples of this new vocabulary. I went on to state that trust between cancer patients and oncologists was essential to the development of hope, what ever its definition. Let’s explore the linkage.
As it pertains to this subject, to trust is to have faith and confidence not only in the integrity and commitment, but especially in the beneficence of the person in charge; bottom line: “Will my doctor do and advise what is best for me, and not what is scientifically or personally challenging?” One might ask why wouldn’t beneficence automatically be part of their doctor’s persona? In fact, it usually is, and most oncologists believe they always act in the best interest of their patients. However, even well meaning and intelligent individuals are sometimes self-delusional. In deciding how much treatment is enough, the cancer physician must repeatedly question the logic and practicality of a given therapy, and importantly, whether they would recommend the same if the patient was their own family member. This is the essence of beneficence; and even if the chosen strategy turns out to be wrong, it is morally defendable if designed and implemented with the best interest of the patient in mind.