What is the main function of the ethics committee in a hospital?

The main function of the ethics committee in a hospital is to provide guidance on ethical issues in patient care. This committee typically comprises a diverse group of professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and ethicists, who collaborate to address complex ethical dilemmas that arise in healthcare settings. They play a crucial role in supporting patients, families, and healthcare providers in navigating challenges related to informed consent, end-of-life decisions, and other sensitive topics. By offering recommendations and facilitating discussions, the ethics committee helps ensure that ethical principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, are upheld in patient care practices.

The importance of this guidance is particularly significant in a hospital environment where situations can often involve conflicting values or difficult choices that affect patient outcomes and overall care processes.