Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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In earlier times physicians decided on their own which diagnostic tests and treatments the patient should undergo, receive and follow. At least, such physicians' behavior is described in the literature. In recent decades the pendulum moved in the other direction. ⋯ A prerequisite for being actively involved in the decision process patients have to be informed about their health status and the consequences of different options and potential decisions. There is no plausible reason to question the values of the participative model, but patients also have a right to be not informed about things they do not want to know. Transparency is desirable, but transparency is not 'per se' a good thing only.