By the end of the course participants will be able to identify and articulate ethical issues in clinical scenarios, and discuss these with reference to ethical principles and theories using different frameworks. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the complexities of determining best interests and a clear understanding of their own obligations in relation to General Data Protection Rules and confidentiality. They will also have an appreciation of the processes of clinical ethics decision-making and better sense of how the different perspectives of those involved can be reconciled.

Anyone who is a new member of a clinical ethics committee, or who is considering joining or establishing a clinical ethics committee.

• Systems and processes for clinical ethics committees
• Appreciating different perspectives in a case consultation
• Data protection and confidentiality in clinical ethics committees
• Best interests
• Introduction to ethical theories and principles
• Frameworks for decision-making in clinical ethics

You will also have an appreciation of the processes of clinical ethics committees and a better sense of how the different perspectives of those involved in clinical ethics decision making can be reconciled.

The content will be delivered through a mix of presentation, small group activity and plenary discussion.

Day one

• 9.15am - 10.00am: Introductions

• 10.00am - 11.00am: Systems and processes for clinical ethics committees (Anne-Marie Slowther)

• 11.00am – 12.00pm: Appreciating different perspectives in a case consultation (Anne-Marie Slowther)

• 12.15pm – 1.00pm: Involvement of patients and families in clinical ethics consultations (Anne-Marie Slowther)

• 1.00pm - 2.00pm: Lunch break

• 2.00pm – 2.45pm: Data Protection and Confidentiality in Clinical Ethics Committees (Heather Draper)

• 3.00pm – 4.45pm: Workshop: Best interests (Heather Draper)

Day two

• 9.15am – 11.30am: Introduction to ethical theories and principles (Heather Draper & Greg Moorlock)
• 11.45am – 1.00pm: Frameworks for decision-making in clinical ethics (Greg Moorlock)
• 1.00pm:- 2.00pm Lunch break
• 2.00pm – 3.30pm: Workshop: Case discussion (Heather Draper and Anne-Marie Slowther)
• 3.45pm – 4.30pm: Feedback and discussion with facilitators on the cases (Heather Draper and Anne-Marie Slowther)
• 4.30pm - 4.45pm Evaluation and close