A review of training approaches for clinical ethics committee members (V)
Lalit Krishna1, Arthena Anushka Thenpandiyan1, Jasmine Owyong1, Nur Amira Binte Abdul Hamid1, Yun Ting Ong1,2, Nicholas Yue Shuen Yoon1,2, Hong Wei Yap1,2, Elijah Gin Lim1,2, National Cancer Centre Singapore 2, 3, Liverpool United Kingdom 1National Cancer Centre Singapore Singapore2National University of Singapore Singapore3University of Liverpool Liverpool, United Kingdom
Abstract
Clinical ethics committees (CECs) support and enhance communication and complex decision making, educate healthcare professionals and the public on ethical issues and maintaining standards of care. However, there is a lack of consistent training approaches for CEC members. A review was conducted to evaluate prevailing CEC training curricula to guide the design of an evidence-based approach.
Prevailing accounts of CEC training across different healthcare and educational settings that were published in six databases were thematically analyzed. Four themes were identified – the design, pedagogy, content and assessment of CEC curricula.
Few curricula employ consistent approaches to training, with many failing to provide CEC trainees with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to meet required competencies. Most programs do not inculcate existing sociocultural, research, clinical and educational considerations into training processes, nor provide longitudinal support for trainees. Most programs are unsupported by host institutions, threatening the sustainability of CEC training programs and compromising effective assessment and longitudinal support of trainees. Whilst further reviews are required, the review spotlights the need for host organizations to support and oversee socio-culturally appropriate ethically sensitive, clinical relevant longitudinal training, assessment and support process for CEC trainees, if CECs are to meet their roles effectively.
Biography
Arthena is medical student from the National University of Singapore, and active research mentee in the Palliative Medicine Initiative