Ethics consultants typically follow a structured process to address ethical issues:
1. Assessment: They gather relevant information about the case, including medical facts, patient preferences, and legal considerations. 2. Analysis: They identify the ethical principles involved, such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. 3. Facilitation: They lead discussions among healthcare team members, patients, and families to explore different perspectives and options. 4. Recommendation: They provide guidance on the best course of action that aligns with ethical principles and the patient's values. 5. Documentation: They document the ethical analysis and recommendations to ensure transparency and accountability.
