Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas in the Practice of Informed Consent of Critical Care Physicians in a Region of Beijing / 中国医学伦理学

ABSTRACT

【Objective:】 To explore the ethical dilemmas faced by the critical care physicians in the process of practicing the right to informed consent in a region of Beijing. 【Methods:】 14 doctors in the critical care unit from 5 medical institutions in a certain region of Beijing were interviewed in depth face-to-face by qualitative research method. The data obtained were analyzed through coding, classification, and extraction of subjects. 【Results:】 The lack of trust in doctor-patient communication leads to the instrumentalization of the right to know. When the decision of family members is inconsistent with the patient’s right to life and health, doctors are faced with the dilemma of choice and its impact. 【Conclusions:】 Faced with such ethical dilemmas, it is suggested to rebuild doctor-patient trust through multiple measures, and make appropriate restrictions on the agent-executing of the right of informed consent.