What is healthcare ethics?

The goal of healthcare ethics is "to improve the quality of healthcare through the identification, analysis, and resolution of ethical questions or concerns." (ASBH Core Competencies, 2011).

Healthcare Ethics provides a mechanism and framework for addressing ethical issues at the patient, professional, and organizational levels. Trained healthcare ethicists are uniquely qualified to integrate values and considerations at both the micro and macro levels to resolve conflict or navigate important decisions with an ethical undertone.

Although cost savings are not the purpose of an ethics service, research has found that ethics consultation may decrease hospital length of stay, reduce the incidence of lawsuits, increase patient satisfaction and trust, and reduce moral distress. (References below)

GENERAL CONSULTATION

Perfect for guidance on building an ethics program, quality improvement and metrics, or other ethics service topics

Materials and resources with optional customization also available

CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Semler is available for in-person, hybrid, or remote presentations on a variety of topics

MORAL DISTRESS WORKSHOPS

Hire Dr. Semler to run moral distress workshops for your staff, or provide "train the trainer" sessions along with all workshop materials

A critical care nurse turned ethicist, Dr. Lindsay Semler is the Executive Director of Clinical Ethics and Department of Medicine Faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a Lecturer at Harvard Medical School. Prior to moving to Boston, she developed and led an Ethics Consult Service at INTEGRIS Health, the largest healthcare organization in Oklahoma.

She obtained her BSN and MSN from the University of Pittsburgh, and her doctorate from Johns Hopkins, where she developed and implemented an evidence-based intervention for moral distress.

Testimonials

We thoroughly enjoyed having Dr. Semler at our recent ethics conference. Her experience as a nurse, as well as her knowledge of and passion for ethics, provided the foundation for a presentation that was grounded in sound theory and evidence-based practice balanced with humor, applicability, and contagious energy. Dr. Semler was easy to work with, very responsive, and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

-Sanford Health

"Every [nursing] unit should have this workshop."

"I found this class incredibly encouraging and helpful and would love to repeat it every year!"

"Such a great presentation and class, best workshop I have taken as an RN"

-Moral Distress workshop participants

"Great enthusiasm, kindness, and interest in the material. Absolutely loved being in her section. One of the best professors I've had here."

"Best faculty lead in Essentials! She is so knowledgeable, kind, approachable, and understanding."

"Lindsay did a tremendous job leading an ethics section. She was able to navigate complex discussions and offer a safe space for open discussion."