Elements of an Ethics Consultation.

In the context of all of the discussion about "Fletcherian" ethics consultation, we're including this description of ethics consultation for clarity and in deference to the work of John C. Fletcher. It's reprinted from the third edition of Fletcher's Introduction to Clinical Ethics.

Values based decision making: a tool for achieving the goals of healthcare.

The recognition that the success of the healthcare organization depends on its achievement of two interrelated goals is a relatively recent phenomenon. In its mid-history the healthcare organization was largely able to ignore cost issues. In its latter history, many would argue that it ignored its quality goals as it pursued its cost goals (15).

Evidence-based medicine: why clinical ethicists should be concerned.

Evidence-based medicine purports to be the integration of three prongs; best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences. Controversy still surrounds the application of evidence-based medicine and undoubtedly controversy will persist in the treatment of specific diseases, thus allowing for some flexibility in decision-making. Yet, the idea that variation is expensive has gained wide acceptance and variation can best be controlled through rigid systems.

Virginia Bioethics Network.

The Virginia Bioethics Network (VBN), a self-governing, self-supporting organization of Virginia healthcare institutions and other interested groups and individuals, was officially incorporated in the state of Virginia in December 1993...