Clinical bioethics and its interface with legal medicine

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the relevant dilemmas and approaches in clinical bioethics with an emphasis on the interface with law. Following centuries of an ethical model based on the physician’s obligations and responsibilities, contemporary medical ethics has seemed to emphasize patients’ rights. This reflects new choices created by technology, capital-intensive structures and procedures, and limited resources and in the context of social diversity and increased patients’ demands. The chapter discusses physicians and patients rights and responsibilities, reviews the factors associated with the new model, and aims to identify and locate an ethical balance. Topics include clinical bioethics, procedures for conflict resolution, and structure and function of bioethics committees. It includes a brief review of methods for doing bioethics including case consultations, policy drafts and revision, and education. Primary issues in research and organizational ethics are also identified.