インフォームド・コンセントと「方便」(指定討論)(パネルディスカッション インフォームド・コンセントとは何か,<特集>病とは何か・癒しとは何か インフォームド・コンセントとは何か)

抄録

"Informed-Consent" is a concept which has been developed and is functioning at the medical world in the United States. The concept is the patient-centered, valuing the rights of patients. On the other hand, the medical concept in Japan has still been based on so-called "Paternalism" which regards all the medical acts of doctors. People in general in this nation are indifferent mainly because of the lack of public awareness, and prevailing traditional attitude-undirected doctors and dependent and patients. Much discussion in Japan on the matter these days seems rather superficial, without solving the basic problems, there are differences of Japan-American culture, educational system, quality of medical treatment etc. On introducing and practicing "Informed-Consent" to Japan, as a Buddhist philosopher, the another feels the necessity to preserve "trust and empathy-relationship" between patients and doctors by gradual attitudinal change on both sides. My concern is result of the overly rapid introduction of the idea which may lead us to social problems seen in the States such as constant legal disputes overemphasizing the rights and duties of the medical treatment. The another therefore, calls the attention of medical practitioners to re-evaluate the Buddhistic concept of "Hohben (Sk.upaya)" which implies acts of "Deep Wisdom and Compassion" on the doctors' side to guide patients mentally and physically.