Working toward peace in the clinical setting: the role of clinical ethics in conflict resolution

Ethics consultants or committees are often called into situations of conflict. What is their role in conflict resolution? What process should they use? What standards should they apply? The methods of alternative dispute resolution (negotiation, mediation and arbitration) provide a useful model for analysis of procedure, though they may not adequately describe all ethics consultations. Boundaries of acceptable standards may be gleaned from the precepts of medical ethics as well as from statutory and case law. In addition, the believer may obtain guidance from Scripture and prayer.