What is the difference between the University of Alberta Hospitals Clinical Ethicist and the Clinical Ethics Committee?
The Clinical Ethicist has extensive formal training, both practical and theoretical, in health ethics. Moreover the Ethicist’s responsibilities are focused solely on the ethical aspects of healthcare at the University Hospital, whether it is at the “level” of research, patients, the professions, or the organization/system. Central to the Ethicist’s role is ongoing work with treatment/care teams or care units to maintain and enhance their ethically-sound practices and interactions in the day-to-day care of patients. In contrast, members of the Committee have full-time jobs in either other disciplines and/or in other organizations. At present, the Clinical Ethicist serves as a co-chair of the Ethics committee and is therefore in a more official or formal position to share her knowledge and skills with committee members. Can you explain further what the Clinical Ethics Committee does? The policies that the Committee evaluates are those that deal with the “humane” side of medical treatment
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