After completing this module, the learner will:
1. Be able to recognize the potential for ethical conflicts, especially in caring for patients with complex or difficult medical decisions to be made or patients whose decision-making capacity is likely to be affected. Ethical conflicts are especially likely in the following cases:
(a) Patients with dementing illnesses or progressive neurological illnesses,
(b) Patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders,
(c) Patients with other chronic or progressive incurable illnesses,
(d) Patients with a need for long-term care,
(e) Patients/family members with unrealistic expectations or conflicting relationships, and
(f) Patients with a terminal illness.
2. Be aware of different techniques to prevent ethical problems, including the following: Negotiation and mediation, Advance planning, and Appropriate referrals.
3. Be aware of methods to defuse ethical conflicts when they occur, including the following: Gathering facts, Agreeing on issues, Identifying alternatives/options, Negotiation, and Coercion.