Bioethics Consultation Service

Healthcare decisions rely not only on medical facts but also on each patient’s values and preferences. These choices can be emotionally charged, especially when family members or others involved disagree about the best course of action.

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics is committed to addressing these complex challenges, bringing together diverse expertise to foster thoughtful, reasoned analysis of ethical issues in healthcare across our healthcare system, including Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Montefiore Medical Center, Wakefield Hospital, Weiler Hospital, and Montefiore Einstein Outpatient Specialty Care.

Visit Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, Montefiore Nyack Hospital, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital or White Plains Hospital for bioethics resources at any of these locations.

Montefiore Einstein’s long tradition in bioethics stretches back more than 30 years with the establishment of one of the first consultation services in the United States. Our team of highly skilled clinical ethics consultants work with healthcare professionals to provide additional support to our patients, their families, designated representatives, and our medical staff involved in their care. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Support patients, families, and care teams in addressing ethical conflicts that arise in patient care
• Guide decision-making around complex treatment options
• Mediate tensions and resolve ethical concerns rooted in differing values
• Clarify the values at stake, foster understanding, and build consensus

The Bioethics Consultation Service responds to inquiries from any concerned party involved in a clinical case, including patients and family members. All services are offered free of charge.

The Bioethics Consultation Service team members are available to speak with patients, family members, designated representatives and medical staff in order to help identify and clarify ethical issues, and work toward resolution of conflict while respecting the voices and values of those involved. Bioethics involves the analysis of ethical issues that arise in the healthcare setting. Our trained consultants help people deal with issues like these:

• Who should make decisions for patients who cannot decide for themselves or communicate their wishes?
• What should patients do if a suggested treatment is in conflict with their beliefs?
• What should happen when there is a strong disagreement or uncertainty about what is best for a patient?
• What should patients consider when agreeing to or in refusing treatment?
• When should life-prolonging treatments, such as feeding tubes or breathing machines, be started, continued or stopped?

For more information on the Bioethics Consultation Service or to request a bioethics consultation, please contact us via telephone or email.

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics

Phone: 718-920-4630

Email:bioethics@montefiore.org