Ethics Committee

The clinical ethics consultant is a professional within the institution whose role is to assist patients, families, and professionals in resolving potential conflicts regarding values ​​in clinical practice. The consultant is a member of the Clinical Ethics Committee of Hospital Ribera Povisa, which they represent to patients, families, and professionals. In other words, this professional is not assigned to any specific clinical department within the hospital but rather works for the entire institution.

The Clinical Ethics Committee (CEAS) is a collegial body composed of healthcare professionals, non-medical hospital staff, and lay members (individuals not affiliated with the hospital). Its objectives include safeguarding patients' interests regarding healthcare rights and advising healthcare professionals, citizens, and government agencies on decisions involving ethical conflicts.

Although there are no standard criteria for defining what constitutes an ethical conflict, generally, when a situation raises ethical concerns for a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, it should be assumed to be a genuine ethical conflict. Typically, these conflicts may arise around proxy decision-making, end-of-life or early-life care practices, privacy and confidentiality issues, or questions of professionalism in patient care, among others.

Patients or their families can request a consultation with the Clinical Ethics Committee via email (to be determined; it may be the CEAS email or a specific one for consultations) available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The consultation will be handled by a clinical ethics consultant who will conduct an initial assessment of the case. If the request does not involve an ethical conflict, the consultant will inform the patient or their family that the consultation will be referred to the most appropriate person (their medical team, nursing staff, Patient Services, or Social Work, among others). Outside of these hours, a clinical ethics consultant will respond to such consultations on the next business day.

The consultant's objective is to help resolve potential ethical conflicts by analyzing each case with all parties involved and collaboratively seeking solutions that respect the values ​​of everyone concerned. It is important to understand that the consultant's recommendations are not binding. Ultimately, it will be up to the healthcare team and the patient or their family to decide whether to follow these recommendations or explore additional alternatives.