Medical gaslighting as a threat to beneficence and patient autonomy: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical gaslighting- a phenomenon where healthcare professionals dismiss or minimize patients' symptoms- has garnered increasing attention due to its potential to cause significant harm to patients. This study aims to examine the ethical ramifications and implications of medical gaslighting, and explore how patients interpret and experience interactions affected by medical gaslighting.

Methods

We conducted two narrative interviews with fourteen participants. The first interview was conducted 2-3 days after discharge from hospitalization, and the second was carried out a month later. We then interpreted their stories through bioethical lenses.

Results

Data analysis yielded two main themes: (1) Pain dismissal and minimization; (2) Delayed or missed diagnoses-

SUBMITTER: Bokek-Cohen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12801641 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature