How moral case deliberation supports good clinical decision making

Abstract

In clinical decision making, facts are presented and discussed, preferably in the context of both evidence-based medicine and patients' values. Because clinicians' values also have a role in determining the best courses of action, we argue that reflecting on both patients' and professionals' values fosters good clinical decision making, particularly in situations of moral uncertainty. Moral case deliberation, a form of clinical ethics support, can help elucidate stakeholders' values and how they influence interpretation of facts. This article demonstrates how this approach can help clarify values and contribute to good clinical decision making through a case example.