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The Consortium Ethics Program: an approach to establishing a permanent regional ethics network
R L Pinkus1, G M Aumann, M G Kuczewski
1Consortium Ethics Program, University of Pittsburgh Center for Medical Ethics.
Summary
The Consortium Ethics Program (CEP) established a cost-effective ethics education network by combining university bioethics resources with hospital expertise. This program aims to support in-hospital ethics activities and create a lasting resource for medical institutions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics Education
- Healthcare Administration
Background:
- The Consortium Ethics Program (CEP) was initiated in 1990 at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Recognized need for academic support for in-hospital ethics initiatives.
- Established a collaboration between a university bioethics center and a regional hospital council.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe the initial three-year experience of the Consortium Ethics Program (CEP-1).
- Outline plans for the second three-year phase (CEP-2) of continuing ethics education.
- Create a cost-effective, permanent ethics resource network.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing educational resources from a university bioethics center.
- Leveraging practical expertise from a regional hospital council.
- Focusing educational efforts within individual hospitals.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented a collaborative ethics education program over three years.
- Developed a model for academic support of hospital-based ethics representatives.
- Established a foundation for a sustainable ethics resource network.
Conclusions:
- The Consortium Ethics Program demonstrates a viable model for ongoing ethics education in healthcare settings.
- The program effectively integrates academic and practical expertise to support hospital ethics.
- Future phases (CEP-2) will build upon the established network and educational framework.