Doctors giving Patients Placebos

This morning I read a survey online that over of the 679 physicians surveyed gave their patients placebos. These doctors were treating arthritis patients and 60 percent of the physicians felt that giving patients placebos were ethically permissable. Some of the physicians did not disclose to the patients that they were receiving placebos and sometimes the patients were given these medications 2 to 3 times per month. It is hard to understand how these physicians felt that this type of treatment was ethical.

In the article it states that under the standards of the American Medical Association, it is unethical which states that patients should have full knowledge of treatment they are receiving. It is not fair to give patients treatment that is not helping their condition. They are paying for and taking medication that is doing no good to their health. This could eventually cause financial hardship to a patient. It is similar to buying a car and not knowing that the motor is not included. The car will not work without the motor. These placebos are not working and helping the patient. I would be skeptical receiving care from a physician who thought this aspect of their practice was ethical. This is apparently unethical because it is a violation of patient's rights. Patients have the right to know the type of medications they are receiving especially if the are placebos. This issue is also a violation of the AMA Code of Ethics which states that physicians should be honest in all professional interactions and make relevant information available to patients.

Deontological Ethics involves telling the truth. These physicians cannot consider themselves honest if they are giving patients medications and the patients feel these medications will be used to help their conditions.The patients had arthritis and this is a very painful condition. Which makes the circumstances of this issue worse. Giving the patients the placebos 2 to 3 times per month does not seem to be conscientious behavior as well. Hopefully with this article patients will take a closer look at the behaviors of their caregivers and will encourage other physicians to not take on the practices of their fellow colleagues.