Current situation and role of internists in healthcare ethics committees in Spain. PANACEAS study

To analyze the current situation of Healthcare Ethics Committees (HECs) in Spain, their composition and functions, as well as the implementation of Clinical Ethics Consultancy (CEC). Finally, to assess the involvement of internists in HECs.

A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted through a self-administered online survey distributed between February and May 2025 to all identified HECs in the country.

A total of 112 HECs (47.66%) out of the 235 accredited nationwide participated. The average number of members per committee was 16 (range: 6-29). The most represented professional profiles were nursing and medicine. In 99.1% of the committees, at least one member had postgraduate training in Bioethics. The most frequent range of meetings per year was between 7 and 12 (46.8%). Most HECs (91.1%) were involved in educational activities, and 58% had produced ethical documents. The majority reviewed between 1 and 5 cases annually (69.6%). The CEC role was established in 40.2% of HECs and in the process of implementation in 18.8%. Internists were present in 54% of HECs. In 65% of cases, the internist is part of the CEC.

HECs in Spain demonstrate significant involvement in educational activities and the development of ethical documents; however, they receive a relatively low number of annual consultations. Clinical Ethics Consultancy is gradually being integrated into the structure of HECs, which may enhance the management of ethical inquiries. Internists are members of more than half of the HECs and play a very active role in their operations.