Benefits of getting assistance from an independent clinical bioethicist
Many patients need help obtaining the necessary information, mediate with physicians and ethics committees and getting second opinions from independent physicians to make decisions on their care. This is especially important in the hospital when receiving complete and timely information is critical. The fundamental basis for making those decisions is understandable medical information that not only includes diagnosis and prognosis but also a realistic picture of quality of life under various circumstances. Questions of the capacity of the patient to make decisions and differences of personal, cultural and religious perspective on continuing or withholding life sustaining treatment occur. A bioethics consultant can help bridge this gap. Physicians are often reluctant to broach the subject, or not very good at discussing these issues, or both. Implicit bias by medical care providers may affect the degree and clarity of the information provided. Such discussions should not