Ethics and Clinical Communications

Abstract

The diagnosis of brain death has medical, legal and ethical aspects. While the main determinant is the medical approach of the physician in terms of ethics, legal situations are also effective in the process. Non-harm, beneficence, respect for autonomy and justice are the principles that are widely accepted and form the basis of medical ethics. Understanding these principles is a must in order to talk about the ethics of brain death and organ transplantation. In the process of diagnosis and management of brain death, the physician should convey the process to the relatives of the patients in a clear and understandable language and in accordance with the educational-cultural levels of the relatives of the patients. The fact that the concept of brain death is misunderstood in the society or lack of knowledge creates social ethical problems. Special training should be given to health professionals for brain death awareness and early diagnosis, and their ability to resolve ethical problems should be strengthened. Human resources are of great importance in the diagnosis of brain death and in the process of organ transplantation from a cadaver. Communication skills are the mainstay of interaction within the clinic. Organ transplant coordinators should run the process smoothly by creating a bridge between the physician responsible for the case and the intensive care physicians. Such an approach will reduce ethical issues and ensure a successful diagnosis and donation process.

Keywords

• brain death
• ethics
• communication