By Lloyd Mudiwa.
University College Cork (UCC) will from September offer what is believed will be the world’s first MSc in end-of-life healthcare ethics, to help facilitate individual doctors and nurses in dealing with any fallout from moral and ethical pressures faced in their work.
UCC has extended the entry application deadline for the course to July 22. The two-year multidisciplinary programme — offered by UCC’s School of Medicine, School of Philosophy and Sociology, and School of Nursing and Midwifery — is expected to have up to 25 students enrolled in the first intake.
Course Director Dr Joan McCarthy of the School of Nursing & Midwifery said doctors and nurses faced moral and ethical challenges every day in caring for dying patients and their distressed families. “Some of the ethical questions they face include, ‘How do I break bad news?’, ‘Is this treatment futile?’, ‘Does this individual have the mental capacity to decide on her treatment?’, ‘What will I do if a patient refuses treatment such as ventilation, chemotherapy and/or medication that I believe would prolong life?’, ‘Should I document a ‘do not attempt to resuscitate’ [DNAR] order for this patient?’ and ‘What should I do if there’s no DNAR order?’”
The course, Dr McCarthy added, will counter the emotional and psychological cost of dealing with these ethical challenges and a feeling of being powerless while also feeling responsible.
“These ethical worries can cause personal and professional angst. International research has found that some respond by leaving their profession early or changing professions altogether,” she commented. “This will give people greater confidence to raise doubts and uncertainties and address any concerns constructively and collaboratively.
“The course would equip students with the tools to find the most ethical and negotiated solutions to the ethical, professional and legal dilemmas that they may encounter.”
lloyd.mudiwa@imt.ie
About Lloyd Mudiwa
Loading ...
