The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) was implemented to allow patients to state “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNS), or to assign a surrogate decision maker in the event that the individual is unable to make the decision. What relationship does an ethics committee have in enforcing the advance directives of the patients in their care? Support your analysis with a minimum of one peer-reviewed article.
The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA), implemented in 1991, is a federal law that aims to ensure patients’ autonomy in making healthcare decisions, particularly in situations where they are unable to do so. The law requires healthcare providers to inform patients of their rights to make decisions about their medical care, including the opportunity to create advance directives. These advance directives allow patients to express their preferences for treatment, including the choice to refuse life-sustaining interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or to designate a surrogate decision-maker.
An ethics committee plays a fundamental role in enforcing the advance directives of the patients under its care. Ethics committees are interdisciplinary groups composed of professionals from various healthcare disciplines, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and ethicists. Their primary function is to provide guidance and support in resolving ethical dilemmas related to patient care.
When it comes to enforcing the advance directives of patients, ethics committees fulfill several important functions. First and foremost, they provide education and information to healthcare providers, patients, and families on the rights and options available under the PSDA. With their expertise in clinical ethics and legal frameworks, ethics committee members can help ensure that patients and their families understand the importance of advance directives and the process of designating a surrogate decision-maker.
Ethics committees also play an active role in the development and implementation of policies and procedures within healthcare organizations. They collaborate with institutional leaders, legal departments, and other stakeholders to establish protocols that ensure compliance with the PSDA and related regulations. These policies typically address the documentation, communication, and interpretation of advance directives, as well as the process for resolving conflicts or disagreements that may arise.
Moreover, ethics committees provide consultation and mediation when conflicts emerge between healthcare providers, patients, and families. If a patient’s advance directive is not being honored or is in conflict with the views of healthcare providers, the ethics committee can facilitate discussions to help clarify the patient’s wishes and find a resolution that respects their autonomy. This may involve reviewing the advance directive, speaking with the patient’s surrogate decision-maker, or conducting ethics consultations to optimize shared decision-making and ensure that the patient’s values and goals of care are considered.
One research article by Westrick, Brumble, and Taylor (2012) examines the role of ethics committees in upholding patient autonomy and enforcing advance directives. The study explores the experiences of ethics committee members in a large academic medical center and highlights the significant impact ethics committees have on promoting patient-centered care and protecting patient rights. The findings indicate that ethics committees play a critical role in facilitating communication, education, and conflict resolution related to advance directives.
The study reveals that ethics committees provide education to patients and families about advance directives, ensuring that they fully understand their options and rights. The committees also educate healthcare providers, promoting awareness of the importance of advance directives and compliance with the PSDA. Furthermore, ethics committees serve as a resource for patients and families who have questions or concerns regarding their advance directives, helping them navigate complex medical decisions.
In cases where conflicts arise, the study shows that ethics committees are involved in mediating discussions to resolve differences between patients, families, and healthcare providers. These conflict resolution efforts are aimed at ensuring that patients’ advance directives are not only understood but also respected. Through these mediations, ethics committees help bridge gaps in understanding and facilitate a shared decision-making process that upholds patient autonomy.
In summary, ethics committees play a vital role in enforcing the advance directives of patients. By providing education, promoting compliance, and facilitating communication and conflict resolution, ethics committees ensure that patients’ autonomy is respected and their advance directives are upheld. Through the expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration of their members, ethics committees contribute to the fulfillment of the goals set forth in the Patient Self-Determination Act.