Question

Healthcare institutions establish ethics committees to process ethical dilemmas. Which are purposes of ethics committees? Select all that apply.

A. Education
B. Patient teaching
C. Patient care
D. Case consultation
E. Policy recommendation

Answer 1

Healthcare institutions' ethics committees primarily focus on education, case consultation, and policy recommendation. These committees ensure that patient care and medical practices adhere to ethical principles and standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

Healthcare institutions establish ethics committees to help navigate the complex landscape of medical ethics. Ethics committees serve several crucial purposes within these institutions. The primary roles of ethics committees include:

• Education - by providing training and resources to healthcare professionals about ethical issues and decision-making processes in medical practice.
• Case consultation - offering expert advice and guidance on individual cases that present ethical dilemmas, ensuring that decisions are made with consideration of ethical principles.
• Policy recommendation - developing and recommending protocols and guidelines to govern the practice and ethics of patient care and research within the institution.

The importance of ethics committees in healthcare cannot be overstated. They advocate for the ethical treatment of patients, ensuring that care provided aligns with moral values such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Additionally, these committees often consider the principles of care ethics, which emphasize compassion, understanding, and responsibility in the resolution of ethical conflicts.