A survey of Army clinicians on hospital ethics committees

The use of hospital ethics committees (HECs) has increased over the previous 5 to 8 years. A recent survey of physician-administrators in Army Medical Centers and community hospitals revealed that most favored the existence and utilization of these committees within their own hospitals. A follow-up survey was conducted to ascertain the perceptions that clinicians in Army Medical Centers have of these committees and their current or potential utilization in Army hospitals. The results indicate that clinicians as well as physician-administrators in the Army view these committees as beneficial.