Abstract
Part I: Patient and Family Education. The narrator suggests that a health care ethics committee can function as a "health care guide service." Three questions about ethics committees are addressed in this section of the program: 1) why do we have one? 2) what does an ethics committee do? and 3) how you can help [eliminate confusion and conflict regarding health care decisions for yourself and your family]? Commentators include Tom McCormick, M.Div., Ethics Consultant and Medical Historian; Ian Duncan, son of a patient; and Larry Plutko, Hospital System Ethics Director. Other speakers are: Chris Johnson, Nursing Home Ethics Committee Chair; Clare Gray, RN, a nursing home charge nurse; John Shaw, chaplain and ethics committee member; Dorothy Whitney, family member; Debra Peevey, hospice chaplain; and John Summers, son of a hospice patient. The segment is 15:15 minutes. Part II: Committee Inservice Training: Five Essential Building Blocks. In this section the five essential building blocks identified by Caresoure for making an ethics committee as effective as possible are discussed. These building blocks are 1) planning and structure; 2) education and expertise; 3) respect for the people you serve; 4) being visible and accessible; and 5) evaluation and renewal. Some of the same commentators as in Part I speak with the addition of Diana Bader, OP and Health System Executive. Discussion of these points lasts until 26:28, then the narrator addresses a few more questions: 1) myths and misconceptions; 2) is a trained bioethicist necessary; and 3) does the committee's role include discussion of broader policy issues beyond the case at hand. Program concludes at 31:31, followed by credits until 32:08. "Part I is for residents, family members, staff, and community audiences. Explains: what an ethics committee is; how it supports residents, families, and staff; and how to access it. Also reinforces your message about the importance of advance directives and open communications about one's care wishes." [description from the Caresource website] "Part II covers five essential building blocks for an effective ethics committee. Great for member recruiting and orientation, committee education, and your committee's planning retreat." [description from the Caresource website]
