We Still Aren’t Speaking Their Language: Ethics Consults for End-of-Life Discussions and Surrogate Decision Making

Abstract: Many in the field of clinical ethics still report receiving the bulk of their consultation requests regarding ethical issues at the end of life and the concerns of surrogate decision makers who are making those decisions. This ECHO will consider the language used when discussing advanced medical decision making and the ethical considerations that arise when trying to determine a patient’s treatment preference in the moment. Additionally, it will explore experience with advance directives and how successful they are in achieving their intended purposes. 

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) on healthcare ethics is offered through the West Virginia Rural Emergency Trauma Institute Inc