What is the Cheng Tsui Ethics Program?
The Hung and Jill Cheng Tsui Ethics Program is a free consultation service that assists patients and families who are dealing with difficult health care decisions, and for clinicians facing an ethical issue related to care.
Our Ethics Program was established in 1988 and has since provided 24/7 assistance to staff, patients, and families involved in complex patient care decisions. In addition, the team also conducts educational programs and review policies throughout BIDMC.
Patients, families and health care providers frequently face difficult decisions in the course of treatment. These decisions often involve different values and preferences. There may be uncertainty about the right thing to do.
Consultations are collaborative and can be informal over the phone or highly involved with three- to four-person multidisciplinary physician team, patients, families and staff to help resolve conflict.
Interpreters are also available, free of charge, for limited English speaking patients and family members, and can be arranged by the Ethics team upon request.
Please note: The Cheng Tsui Ethics Program has no authority for clinical decisions. The patient and/or family and doctors are the final decision makers.
How Can the Ethics Program Assist Patients and Families?
The Cheng Tsui Ethics Program helps with questions and emotions that may arise when a patient and loved ones face difficult health care choices. Sometimes patients, family members and staff wonder if they are making the right choices. They appreciate having the opportunity to talk about their values as they consider these decisions.
Examples: Why One Might Request an Ethics Consult
- Clarify and understand patient/ family preferences and values
- Assist with resolving patient and family differences that relate to care
- Address uncertainty or conflict over who "speaks for" the patient
- Ensure that religious and cultural preferences are respected
- Understand BIDMC policy and procedures
What Should One Expect from the Consultation Process?
The consultation process is collaborative. Consultation is provided by one or two people from the Cheng Tsui Ethics Program who work with the patient, family, health care providers and other hospital staff when appropriate. The discussion is an opportunity for all parties to share their concerns. This program helps patients and/or families and the clinical team develop the best plan of care.
The Ethics Program often mediates to ensure that information is communicated and issues are addressed. A written account of the consultation usually becomes a part of the patient's medical record.
