What is a clinical ethics consultation? 

 A clinical ethics consultation request means that you want to consult with a bioethicist about a particular case. Consultations can be requested by any healthcare provider, of any level, at UK clinical facilities.

Consultations begin with a meeting between the healthcare provider(s) requesting the consultation and a Bioethicist when the case or issue is presented to the bioethicist. The bioethicist will involve the Attending (if s/he did not request the consultation), and collect all the facts and information necessary to discuss options and provide some guidance for resolution.

A consultation letter is usually prepared for the medical record. If appropriate, the Bioethicist will involve other bioethicists in the consultation, bring the case to the Hospital Ethics Committee, or involve other UK HealthCare administrative staff from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Office of Corporate Compliance. If appropriate, some cases will be suggested as teaching cases.

Faculty are also invited to call a bioethicist to ask about more general ethics issues that arise in the clinical setting, which would not be considered a formal consultation but simply an informative discussion.