I completely agree with this, but also think that it's important for patients who are sick to leave their doctor experience somewhat soothed.

I think that if a patient listens to explanations about how antibiotics won't help with their viral infection, but still wants something to be done, that perhaps doctors should be allowed to prescribe cheap placebos of some sort. Though this is in some ways incredibly disrespectful to the patient, perhaps if it wasn't a sugar pill and something truly soothing, like bed rest and warm soup, it may pass ethical muster.

There's a reason that unsound treatments like homeopathy gain traction. Some people just want to be cared for and told that they are in good hands and will get better faster than if they were on their own.