Essentials 6 book: Ethical and Legal Practice

Upon completion of this self-study program the learner should be better able to

• apply a framework to determine the ethically appropriate options when ethical dilemmas are encountered in clinical practice
• describe what clinicians should consider when determining if a patient has decision-making capacity
• identify preferred qualifications of ethically appropriate surrogate decision-makers
• explain what needs to be considered when deciding to withhold medical care on the basis of medical futility, and why this can be problematic
• provide guidance to patients and families about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to artificial nutrition and hydration
• differentiate between palliative sedation, physician assisted death, and euthanasia
• identify the risk factors for moral distress in challenging clinical situations
• recognize ways to maintain professional boundaries when providing palliative and hospice care

Authors:
Lisa K. Vig, MD MPH
Judith C. Ahronheim, MD
Christina Bell, MD
Caroline A. Vitale, MD

No CME credits available