Loading…
    
← Back to schedule
Keynote Address: Autonomy in Practice: Ethical Challenges in Assessing and Supporting Decision-Making Capacity
Thursday June 5, 2025 8:45am - 9:35am MDT
LCC Room 100 B-C
Assessing decision-making capacity in healthcare requires a nuanced understanding of both ethical principles and clinical criteria. This talk explores how to evaluate a patient’s ability to make decisions by examining their reasoning, particularly when they choose to decline treatment, based on their understanding of the situation. Participants will learn how to assess this reasoning in the context of the patient’s personal values, either directly or through surrogates, and how to ensure that these values are respected in decision-making. The session will also address common biases and systemic barriers that may unintentionally undermine patient autonomy. Additionally, strategies for supporting patients in making informed decisions—especially when surrogate decision-makers are involved—will be discussed, ensuring that both the patient’s reasoning and values are at the forefront of the decision-making process. By the end, participants will gain practical tools to balance ethical considerations and enhance patient autonomy in complex situations.

Objectives:

  1. Define and apply key ethical and clinical criteria for assessing decision-making capacity in healthcare settings.
  2. Identify common biases and systemic barriers that may unintentionally undermine patient autonomy in capacity assessments.
  3. Develop strategies to support and enhance patient autonomy while navigating ethical complexities in surrogate decision-making. 
Speakers
avatar for Gianna Morales, MH

Gianna Morales, MH

Clinical Ethicist, University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities
Gianna Morales is a clinical ethicist at the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities (CBH), where she plays a central role in promoting ethical practices in healthcare. Gianna completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from CU Boulder and recently completed... Read More →
Thursday June 5, 2025 8:45am - 9:35am MDT
LCC Room 100 B-C
  General Session

Attendees (0)


Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link