i’m just not sure… what is the right thing to do? … · i’m just not sure… what is the...

I’m just not sure…What is the right thing to do?Should I ask for an ethics consultation? Inhealthcare,patientsandfamiliesoftenfacethedifficultquestionof“whatshouldbedone?”Therightchoiceforonepatientmaybethewrongchoiceforanother. Ifyou’reunsure,orifyoucan’tagreewithyourhealthcareteamoryourlovedones aboutwhatisbest,youcanaskforanethics consultation.

Ethicsconsultantshelpwhenthereisuncertaintyorconflictabouttherightthingto do.Theyworkwithyou,yourhealthcareteam,andyourfamilytoclarifythesituation. Youcantalktothemaboutyourvaluesandwhatyouwantmostfromyourcareorthecareofalovedone.Ethicsconsultantswon’tmakedecisionsforyou,buttheywillhelpyoufigureoutwhatisbestforyoursituation.

What kind of questions can ethics consultation help answer? • Mysisteristoosicktomakeherowndecisions.HowshouldIdecidewhatisbestforher?

• Ourfamilyisconfusedandupset.Wedon’tagreeaboutwhatistherightthingtodofor ourbrother’scare.Canyouhelp?

• Thetreatmentteamhastoldusthatdialysiscouldbestartedbutwe’renotsureifthisis whatourfatherwouldwant.Canyouhelpusfigureouthowtodecide?

If you wish to seek help from the Ethics Consultation Service contact:

02/2011