What is the purpose of a medical ethics consultation?

The purpose of a medical ethics consultation is primarily focused on assisting in resolving ethical dilemmas in healthcare. These consultations provide support to healthcare professionals, patients, and families when challenging situations arise, such as end-of-life decisions, informed consent issues, or conflicts of interest. They aim to ensure that ethical principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, are upheld in clinical practice.

While evaluating clinical trial data and promoting best practices in patient care are important aspects of healthcare, they do not specifically address the resolution of ethical dilemmas, which is the core function of medical ethics consultations. Additionally, handling patient complaints falls under patient relations and advocacy rather than ethical consultation. The primary focus of medical ethics consultation is to facilitate a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to complex ethical issues within the healthcare context.