Box 2.

: The doctor's role in collusion

• The consultant sighs with relief when Mr H has left the consultation room. “This is one of the most difficult things in my work. Just before the therapy I told him that his life expectancy was short and that this was the last thing I could do. He and his wife were crying all the time. Because they were very upset, I could not continue my explanation. That's why I wanted to talk to them again today. You saw what happened. They asked me again whether other therapies are available. Must I ruin their life by being honest? By telling things again that I have already told them? Or just leave it? That's a huge problem. I tell them once or twice what the situation is. If people want to know more, they must ask for it. I leave it to them.”
• “Do you find it difficult to break bad news?” the researcher asks.
• “I think people must know what their situation is, but I find it difficult. What are the effects of what I say? That's my problem.”