Department of Medical Ethics
The Department of Medical Ethics (DME) strives to assist the CHOP community – patients, parents and staff – to respond to the ethical challenges we face, seeking understanding, and promoting the best interest of children. To achieve this goal, the DME:
- supports the Ethics Consultation Service
- oversees the CHOP Ethics Committee
- offers extensive ethics education to all CHOP staff members (clinical and non-clinical)
Ethics Consult Service
As a parent or guardian, you may have questions or concerns about your child’s care that involve your values or beliefs. These kinds of concerns are called “ethical” concerns. If you have an ethical concern or experience a conflict, we encourage you to use our Ethics Consultation Service. Free to use 24/7, this service offers help to patients, families and the healthcare team to resolve any ethical issues that may arise.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee is a standing committee of the CHOP Medical Staff. Its members include at least six members of the Medical Staff, including the physician co-chair, who is appointed for a 2-year term by Medical Staff leadership.
The Committee membership represents multiple disciplines and backgrounds and includes, but is not limited to, representation from the medical staff, nursing, social work, chaplaincy, child life and school programs, behavioral health, and CHOP’s family partners.
The Committee's duties include:
- Promoting education about ethical issues
- Providing guidance to CHOP regarding ethics issues
- Reviewing pertinent policies associated with institutional ethics and patient rights
Meet our team
Our Medical Ethics team is available to help families (and the clinical team) navigate any ethical concerns they may have about the best care for our patients.
Medical ethics resources for families
We have created resources in partnership with families to help provide guidance around ethical interactions and frequently asked questions many families have about interacting with their care teams.
Medical ethics education for professionals
Healthcare professionals can access free online educational modules that focus on important concepts in pediatric medical ethics. Modules can be accessed 24/7 through CHOP’s Online Pediatric Education Network (OPEN). Search by “ethics” to find relevant courses.
Medical ethics education for CHOP staff
The Department of Medical Ethics provides educational opportunities to CHOP staff (clinical and non-clinical), such as Ethics Brown Bags, Ethics Case Discussions, Ethics Grand Rounds and other sessions as requested. These educational opportunities allow CHOP staff members to expand their understanding of medical ethics and their ability to apply that knowledge to their daily work.
Some frequent medical ethics education topics include:
- Decision making for children
- Ethical dilemmas related to social media
- Professional boundaries in therapeutic relationships
In addition, a series of pediatric ethics online education sessions – focused on concepts in pediatric medical ethics – can be accessed 24/7 through CHOP’s Department of Medical Ethics SharePoint site. NOTE: This site is only accessible to CHOP staff.