Should we tell lies to people with dementia in their best interest? The views of Italian and English medical doctors

Abstract

Background: Previous surveys have revealed lying is common amongst care-workers and nurses, and in some contexts has been described as a therapeutic form of communication. Psychologists and psychiatrists have also demonstrated increasing support for this form of practice. The present study examined the attitudes towards lying of mixed groups of medical doctors from England and Italy.Method: This cross-cultural survey evaluated the attitude towards lies in dementia care of Italian (N=54) and English (N=43) medical doctors.Results: Approximately 70 per cent of participants admitted to lying during their interactions with people with dementia. Clinicians stressed the importance of evaluating the pros and cons of the use of therapeutic lying. Conclusions: Lies are used by the majority of medical doctors, to some degree. This is despite objections to the use of lies by professional bodies and national dementia organisations, such as the Alzheimer’s Society. Hence there is a need for further ethical debate, and improvements and revisions to the existing guidelines in the area.