The Auckland Hospital Ethics Committee: the first 7 years.
We describe the establishment and development of the Clinical Ethics Advisory Group (CEAG) at Auckland Hospital. The CEAG provides a case-consultation service for clinicians and managers and on request advises on policies and guidelines. Relatively few cases have been referred for consultation despite the fact that 82% of doctors and 98% of nurses see a role for the CEAG in helping to resolve dilemmas in clinical practice. Most clinicians (80%) who have consulted the CEAG have valued the opinions they were given. The majority of doctors (81%) and nurses (76%) indicated that they would value further education in ethics. Based on our experience and a review of the literature, we recommend that all healthcare workers should have access to ethical expertise.
Pinnock
Ralph
R
Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. ralphp@adhb.govt.nz
Crosthwaite
Jan
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection; D028741:Ethics Committees, Clinical; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009520:New Zealand; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires