Implementing ethics reflection groups in hospitals: an action research study evaluating barriers and promotors

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Ethics
• Organizational Psychology
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Ethics support services, such as ethics reflection groups (ERGs), are vital for addressing ethical challenges in healthcare.
• This study evaluates the implementation of interdisciplinary ERGs in Danish psychiatric and general hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation process of interdisciplinary ethics reflection groups (ERGs) in diverse hospital settings.
• To identify structural and professional factors influencing ERG implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative action research approach.
• Systematic text condensation of 28 individual interviews and 4 focus groups.
• Involved clinicians, ethics facilitators, and ward managers.

Main Results:

• Implementation was affected by organizational factors, facilitator training, deliberation models, and participant recruitment.
• Clinician-related factors included expectations, job understandings, and facilitator challenges.
• Strategies were adapted to address emergent challenges during the study.

Conclusions:

• Identified key structural and professional barriers and facilitators for ERG implementation.
• Findings offer valuable guidance for implementing ethics support services across healthcare settings.