Case-Based Clinical Ethics Support – A Description and Normative Discussion of Methodological Issues from the Swedish Perspective

Le résumé fourni par la source

Clinical Ethics Support (CES) includes various forms of systematic support to deal with ethical challenges in healthcare and case-based CES (C-CES) is used for CES in particular cases. The aim was to describe and normatively discuss organizational and methodological aspects of C-CES used in Swedish healthcare. A mixed-methods approach was used. A descriptive survey was answered regarding eight organizations on hospital, regional and national level, with large variations in the number of conducted C-CES activities. Data were compiled and frequencies calculated. Based on the survey results, normative questions were formulated. Six participants, with expertise of C-CES, participated in a normative group discussion. Field notes and transcribed data were analysed qualitatively. The top ranked goal of C-CES was "Supporting decision making". Mainly prospective cases were used and C-CES was carried out as un-planned and pre-planned sessions. The normative results showed the importance of avoiding making C-CES unattractive to clinicians, for instance by keeping the time frame. The professional backgrounds of C-CES leaders varied greatly and arguments were provided for the facilitating role and that C-CES leaders ought not facilitate where they have been clinically engaged. Identified challenges included variations in uptake of C-CES activities that do not mirror the ethical challenges of the context. The unfair uptake of C-CES can be compared with the uptake in Norway where there are legal requirements for CES. In this study patients and families were not reported to request or attend C-CES. Thus, further research and interventions are needed to ensure their representation in Swedish C-CES.

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