Abstract

Definition of the problems: The physician-patient-relationship is influenced by economically driven decisions. This study explores the ethical consensus in explaining economical backgrounds of therapeutic and diagnostic interventions to patients, and the clinical practices of patient information.Method: A combination of questionnaire send to members of relevant health care organisations (n=132) and interviews with physicians working in different clinical resorts (n=15).Results and conclusion: In general there is a consensus in truth-telling about the economical background, however this ethical principle in many cases is neglected. Whenever possible physicians try to translate economically driven decisions into medical terms. There is a broad disagreement and a wide range of individual ethical preferences regarding patient information, that can not be controlled by patients in any way