Did you know? Campbellford Memorial Hospital has access to a professional ethicist that is available to anyone, at any time, and for any reason!
That’s great, but What is an ethicist?
Ethicists are specially trained in thinking about ethical and moral issues in healthcare. They are able to listen to problems in a non-judgmental way, can help make complex problems easier to understand, and can help you work through challenging ethical issues in your work. Because they have read widely in the field of medical ethics they will likely have seen cases like yours before. They may even be able to tell you how others have dealt with similar issues.
What are moral and ethical issues?
Ethics and morality are two different things. Morality – views about what is right and wrong – may arise from your personal, religious or spiritual beliefs, or from your thoughts about issues such as social justice.
Ethics, on the other hand, is the study of ideas about morality. The goal of ethics is to examine moral beliefs to see where they lead us, to ask what problems they create, and what problems they solve.
Am I required to consult an ethicist when making a decision?
It is always up to you to decide whether or not you would like to speak to someone about an ethical issue. You are never required to consult with an ethicist, and always have the right to work through problems or issues on your own.
At the same time, you should never feel embarrassed or worried about seeking permission when speaking with a professional ethicist. We all face ethical dilemmas from time-to-time, and it can be a comfort to discuss our concerns with someone; or to ask what research or policies are available for guidance. Further, anyone, at any time, and for any reason can contact the ethicist – no permission (from a supervisor or manager, for example) required, and any request is always at no cost.
Can you give me some examples of ethical issues that I might face in the health care setting?
Since clinical settings vary, it is hard to know what might be felt to be an ethical issue to aparticular person. There are, however, some scenariosthatpresent ethical issues and thatcome up fairly oftenin settings like the CMH. These may include the following:
- Withdrawal of treatment
- Treatment refusals
- Decision-making for incapable persons
- Problems relating to consent and capacity
- Issues relating to advance directives or power of attorney
How does a consultation with an ethicist work?
If you decide to contact the Ethics Consultation Service, a meeting between appropriate stakeholders – which may include staff, physicians, patient, or patient’s family – and a clinical ethicist can be arranged. Together you can decide what your next steps might be.
You will never be coerced or discriminated against because of your views. The purpose of these meetings are to gather enough information about the problem to give appropriate guidance.
If I have an ethics consultation, will I still be allowed to make up my own mind?
The right to make decisions will always rest with the patient/Substitute Decision-Maker/health care team.The Ethics Consultation Service can help by listening, offering guidance, and showing which options are most in keeping with your values and wishes.
What about confidentiality?
Any discussions that you have with the Ethics Consultation Service can remain confidential, to the extent that the law allows. You can even make an anonymous request if you are unsure whether you would like to proceed.
Please contact Josh Landry, Ethicist, if you experience an ethical issue and require assistance: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..