title: Networking Ethics: A Survey of Bioethics Networks Across the U.S.
abstract: Ethics networks have emerged over the last few decades as a mechanism for individuals and institutions over various regions, cities and states to converge on healthcare-related ethical issues. However, little is known about the development and nature of such networks. In an effort to fill the gap in the knowledge about such networks, a survey was conducted that evaluated the organizational structure, missions and functions, as well as the outcomes/products of ethics networks across the country. Eighteen established bioethics networks were identified via consensus of three search processes and were approached for participation. The participants completed a survey developed for the purposes of this study and distributed via SurveyMonkey. Responses were obtained from 10 of the 18 identified and approached networks regarding topic areas of: Network Composition and Catchment Areas; Network Funding and Expenses; Personnel; Services; and Missions and Accomplishments. Bioethics networks are designed primarily to bring ethics education and support to professionals and hospitals. They do so over specifically defined areas-states, regions, or communities-and each is concerned about how to stay financially healthy. At the same time, the networks work off different organizational models, either as stand-alone organizations or as entities within existing organizational structures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA. jskleiner@uams.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer Kleiner
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Fausett
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Humanities, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gilmore-Szott
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Humanities, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
authors.forename: D Micah
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hester
mesh_terms: D001675:Bioethics / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000639:trends*; D026822:Ethicists / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D017041:Ethics Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: Bioethics; Ethics consortiums; Ethics networks