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Why does Paradise Valley Hospital Have Ethics Consults?

Today, heath care decisions can be very complex. Advances in medical technology have given us many choices. Sometimes the decisions we face are difficult to make because people think and feel differently about the ethical issues involved. Occasionally, the people involved may disagree about what steps to take. That's when the Ethics Consultation can help.

An Ethics Consultation can help clarify the ethical issues that arise when making difficult patient care decisions. This can also facilitate a shared decision-making process that can lead to an agreement among the people involved. The consultation group offers advice and makes recommendations when appropriate. The goal is to help those involved understand the issues and values that are relevant, and reach an agreement about how to proceed.

Consultants respect patient's rights, family privacy, and the personal nature of the health care decision being made.

What can you do?

An Ethics Consult is available to help you or your family. Healthcare consumers can take proactive steps to prevent confusion when difficult situations arise. Some of these steps are:

• Take charge of your health care. Make sure you understand your options. Then be clear in telling your doctor what your wishes and decisions are. Ask questions.
• Learn how to use Advance Directives. There are two primary types of Advanced Directives:

• Living Will-You determine what kind of care you do or do not want.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care- You appoint someone else to make decisions for you if you cannot make decisions for yourself.
• Be willing to talk candidly about what you want. Let your health care representative (the person you appoint as a medical power of attorney) know your views and how you would like decisions made. If you haven't appointed any one, have the same kind of discussion with a close family member or friend. Some day there may be a need for this person to step in and act for you, and you will be glad you've taken the time to let them know how you feel.