Bioethics mediation: a guide to shaping shared solutions

tions that are frequently encountered in everyday practice. Essential communication skills are emphasized as well as documentation of the situation in the medical record, keeping both free of emotion, while relaying essential information to all members of the healthcare team. The techniques presented can be used in the clinical setting to identify parties involved in the conflict; understand the interests of the participants; level the playing field to minimize disparities of power, knowledge, skill, and experience; maximize options for resolution of the conflict; search for common ground; ensure that consensus can be justified as a “principled resolution”; help implement the agreement; and conduct followup. Under certain circumstances these strategies could enhance the autonomy of the patient, support shared values of the patient and family, and strengthen the implementation of the healthcare plan. When a common ground cannot be found, it is typical to call the bioethics committee; however, not all disagreements involve ethical issues. The communication strategies outlined in this book will assist healthcare professionals to identify and resolve the discord. The book can also be used as a teaching guide to help facilitate communication skills and knowledge of bioethics mediation. Role-playing situations can help the novice feel more comfortable in situations involving conflict.