Making choices about care is not always easy. Sometimes we may be unsure which treatment or path forward is best. A decision may be even harder if you have to make it for a loved one. When there is doubt or disagreement, an ethics consultation may help your family make the best decision for all involved.
What is an ethics consultation?
An ethics consultation helps patients and their families make better informed decisions about care. Many medical facilities offer this free service to patients and their families to help educate and advise on the best care choices. It may be used when deciding on end-of-life care. It may also help if a loved one is not able to make their own choice because of their health. For instance, if they have dementia, had a stroke, or were in a bad accident.
What happens during an ethics consultation?
A person or group of people not involved in your care or the care of a loved one will talk with everyone affected. They will ask family members about their concerns. They will talk with the health care team to learn more about a patient's care.
The consultant or committee's goal is to lay out care choices focusing on what is best for the patient. Their advice may ease decision-making and end conflict. During this process, they will keep these things in mind:
- The patient's short-term and long-term health goals
- Needs, values, and concerns of family members
- Cultural and religious customs and legal considerations in your community
- Expertise of doctors and other health care providers
- Privacy and rights of all involved
If you and your loved ones are struggling to make a health care decision, ask for an ethics consultation. It may help you make the best choice at a difficult time.
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Maintaining Your Personal Health Record
A personal health record can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to get faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care. Read on to learn more about creating one.
Be Involved in Your Health Care: Taking Medicines
When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.
An Agent’s Role for Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Often it’s hard to know which medical treatment choices you might face. Would you rather let someone you trust decide for you? A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name an agent to carry out your wishes. This happens only if you can’t express your wishes yourself.
Social Determinants of Health: How Daily Issues Impact Your Patients
Anything that affects your patient's comfort, safety, and well-being also affects your patient's overall health. This can include housing, transportation, money issues, access to food, and child care.
