DoC: Ethical Considerations

TIRR Memorial Hermann

Disorders of Consciousness (DoC):

Ethical Considerations

Speakers:

Joseph J Fins, MD, MACP, FRCP

Sunil Kothari, MD

Christos Lazaridis, MD, EDIC

General Info

Open to:	Physical Therapy (PT), Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA), Occupational Therapists (OT), Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA), Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), Audiologists, Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN),Neuropsychologists/Psychologists (NP), Physicians (MD) and Music Therapy (MT), Therapeutic Recreation (TR), all rehab healthcare providers
CE credits for:	Physical Therapy Practitioners, Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Speech Language Pathology Practitioners, and Nursing Professionals *CEU/CCUs available*
Course Date:	Complete this course to receive credit
Time:	4 1/2 hours of recorded content
Delivery Format:	Distance Learning - Independent
Handouts:	PDFs shared as made available by speakers

Course Description: The last decade has seen an explosion in our knowledge about Disorders of Consciousness (DoC). Recent advances have expanded our understanding of the neuroanatomical substrate of consciousness, enhanced our ability to more accurately detect consciousness, and identified a variety of potential treatment options. These developments culminated in the publication of national practice guidelines for this population. Despite these advances, the ability to provide clinical care for these patients has lagged behind. The challenge now is to translate and incorporate these findings to effectively meet the needs of these patients.

These lectures address current information about ethical considerations when working with a client who has a disorder of consciousness. The lectures provide medical, background, and context relevant to clinical practice from a historic, current, and future perspective for clients with a DoC. The lectures explore social determinants of health for clients with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Explain how the history DoC has informed our understanding of DoC as a client population and our responsibilities to serve this population in our healthcare industry.
Identify 2 obstacles to shared decision making for clients after a perceived devastating brain injury.
Discuss issues that arise during end of life conversations for clients with a DoC and those involved in shared decisions making on their behalf.
Give examples of ethical considerations encountered in daily clinical practice related to clients with a DoC and their families/caregivers.

Assessment of Learning Objectives: Passing score on post test of 80% or better and completion of course feedback form.

Instructional Methods Used: Pre-recorded lectures and post-course quiz

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