WHAT IS ETHICS IN A HEALTHCARE SETTING?

Ethics involves helping patients, families and those who work in healthcare when they are facing difficult moral or value-based choices about the right or best course of action. The goal is not to impose values on others, but to help individuals and groups in solving complex problems so they are able to make informed decisions about treatment.

Topics in healthcare that might present an ethical challenge could include:

  • Goals for treatment
  • Value differences and conflicts
  • End-of-life decision-making
  • Allocation of resources

WHAT IS AN ETHICIST & HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?

All PRHC patients, their families, and hospital staff have access to an external Ethicist. The Ethicist is a resource person with advanced training in ethics, who can help clarify ethical issues, offer different perspectives, review options, and assist patients, families, and healthcare teams with decision-making.

Topics in healthcare that might present an ethical challenge could include:

  • Goals for treatment
  • Value differences and conflicts
  • End-of-life decision-making
  • Allocation of resources

WHAT WILL THE ETHICIST DO?

  • Provide confidential consultation

  • Ensure all relevant facts, values and options are explored

  • Help people understand and explore available treatment options

  • Identify and provide information to help people make decisions about ethical issues

  • Mediate to assist individuals and/or groups when there is a difference of opinion about a particular patient care situation

  • Provide education to patients, families, and professionals on ethical issues in healthcare

ARE THERE ANY OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP ME MAKE A DECISION?

At PRHC we have an ethical framework, processes and policies that help patients, families, and staff make ethical decisions and deal with difficult ethical dilemmas. The following resources may be helpful to you: