Page 142 - 20818_park-c_efi

20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 5 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Cyan
20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 5 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Black
#20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 5 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Yellow
20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 5 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Magenta
#
nificance of the results of the x-rays, and that the language used by
radiologists is very subjective.
The patient’s mental state has a great influence on the total picture.
Since the results will increase the already-present tension that exists,
the final outcome could be tragic.
Fortunately, here in Israel, this is not widespread. However, Amer-
ican and Anglo-Saxon literature report many cases of patients who
committed suicide after seeing their test results. In these cases, the
radiologists are held solely responsible (according to American law)
for any incorrect interpretation of a test given over to the patient. In
addition to this, an x-ray report is not histopathological. Even with
the best of intentions of the radiologist and the most advanced ma-
chinery, a mistake can be made. The ethical responsibility which falls
on the radiologist is thus very serious, and it is difficult to deal with
the possibility of a legal suit in court. Moreover, if the patient asks to
hear the interpretation of the results directly from the radiologist, the
danger is even greater. In my opinion, the radiologist should answer
the patient that the results will go directly to his referring physician. I
myself have fallen into the trap of talking too much, out of a desire to
calm the patient and to be kind to him. The approach boomeranged
against me. Therefore, I wish to ask, what is the Torah view on this
subject?
Dr. Moran Eliezer
Director, Radiology Department
Kupat Cholim Meuchedet, Tel Aviv
1 AnsweR
We passed this question on to the honorable Dr. Menachem Brayer,
supervising physician of the Geriatric Center, Givat Hashloshah, and
this is his answer:
Informing the patient of medical facts, in whole or in part, is not
a simple matter, as it is liable to impinge on his wellbeing. In order to
decide, one has to examine the positive and the negative aspects of
telling the patient the truth.
128 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein
one should not tell a girl about her father’s death. Since she does not
recite Kaddish why does she have to know the truth? One who tells
her is considered a talebearer. Thus one should not reveal painful
news to a person unnecessarily.
Responsa Maharash Engel (Vol. 6, #10) writes: I know for certain
that the Gaon, Baruch Baer Taan, z”l ruled that if one son is saying
Kaddish, it is then necessary to tell the other sons, even if the custom
is not to do so. I have seen many times that when tzaddikim died,
people did not tell all the sons until thirty days passed.
In Melachim 2 (8:7-10) it says:
And Elisha came to Damascus and Ben Haddad, King of
Aram, was ill, and they told him, as follows: A man of G-d
has come here. And the King said to Chazael, take in your
hands a gift and go to the man of G-d and demand of G-d,
through him, Will I survive my illness? … And Elisha told
him: Go tell him “Live, you will live and G-d has shown
me that you will surely die.”
Metzudos David comments that Elisha said “live you will live” in
order to comfort him. The Sefer Mussar Haneviim explains that had
Elisha immediately told him the truth, he would thereby have has-
tened his death, because he would have died immediately from the
pain. Since one is allowed to lie for pikuach nefesh, he began by telling
him he would live.
From here we see that, at times, one should not say the truth, even
though the Torah says “Distance yourself from falsehood.” Even a
Navi of Hashem does not say the truth if doing so will hasten some-
one’s death.
In Tractate Kesubos (104a) it says: On that day when Rebbe died…
they said, one who says that Rebbe died should be pierced with a
sword… Bar Kappara spoke and said: The angels and the mortals
have taken hold of the Holy ark, and the angels have won over the
mortals. This is difficult to understand. Should they not have revealed
the death of Rebbe in order to prepare for the funeral? In truth, the
Providing results of X-Ray 2 133