Which ethical concept supports disclosing unpleasant information to a patient?

The ethical concept that supports disclosing unpleasant information to a patient is veracity. Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication between healthcare providers and patients. It emphasizes the importance of providing patients with accurate and complete information about their health status, treatment options, and potential outcomes, even when such information may be difficult or uncomfortable to convey.

In practice, adhering to the principle of veracity builds trust between patients and healthcare providers, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. This aligns with the ethical obligation to respect patients' rights by ensuring they have the necessary information to understand their situation and participate actively in their own healthcare choices.

While autonomy pertains to a patient's right to make informed choices regarding their own care, and beneficence focuses on acting in the best interest of the patient, these concepts hinge on the foundation of truthful disclosure, which is precisely what veracity upholds. Confidentiality, on the other hand, relates to the privacy of patient information and does not directly address the necessity of presenting unpleasant truths.