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Technical University of Munich

Ethics Case Discussion

What is an Ethics Case Discussion?

Ethical case discussions are a way to discuss the different perspectives of the multiprofessional team in a moderated equal exchange, to analyze them in a structured way, and to arrive at an ethically justified recommendation for action. An ethics case discussion can take place at different points in time:

  • Prospective: ethical conflict situations within a treatment process,
  • Retrospectively: reappraisal and clarification of past ethical dilemmas
  • Preventive: Case discussions independent of a specific case, referring to frequently occurring ethical conflict situations and challenges.

The Process of an Ethics Case Discussion

For the request, please have the following information ready if possible:

  • Who inquires? (Name, Clinic/Department/Stat, Tel)
  • What is the occasion? (Question)
  • Like is the initial situation? (medical, nursing, psychosocial)
  • Which Offer is desired? (Consil; individual case consultation or consultation in the CEC.)
  • Who should participate? (Participation of persons from at least 3 professional groups is recommended).
  • What place is suitable for the offer? (ward, seminar room in the clinic or in the institute)

Objectives of an ethics case discussion

The objective of ethics case consultation is to reach a consensus-based solution to an ethical conflict through analysis, facilitation, and the weighing of ethical arguments. This also includes promoting a structured approach to addressing ethical conflicts as they arise.

Literature

  • Vollmann, J. Klinische Ethikkomitees und Ethikberatung in Deutschland: Bisherige Entwicklung und zukünftige Perspektiven. Bioethica Forum. 2008; 1(1): 33-39
  • Vorstand der Akademie für Ethik in der Medizin e.V. Standards für Ethikberatung in Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens. Ethik Med. 2010; 22: 149-153
  • Vollmann, J. Klinik: Aufgaben und Kriterien für klinische Ethikkomitees. Bundesgesundheitsblatt. 2008; 51: 865-871
  • Woellert, K. Das Klinische Ethikkomitee: Ziele, Strukturen, und Aufgaben klinischer Ethik. Bundesgesundheitsblatt. 2019; 62: 738-743
  • Vollmann, J., Burchardi, N., Weidtmann, A. Klinische Ethikkomitees in deutschen Universitätskliniken. Eine Befragung aller Ärztlichen Direktoren und Pflegedirektoren. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2004; 129: 1237-1242
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