LAUSR

Introduction Medical ethics forms part of the medical undergraduate curriculum in the UK, however there is little structure for most postgraduates. Unsurprisingly paediatric trainees report that they do not feel confident in their understanding of ethical principles and the law.1 We explored the level of ethics training and knowledge in medical and allied health professionals (AHP) in a specialist children’s hospital attending an open 7 week program of ethics seminars. We report findings of a survey exploring training and attitudes in medical ethics, and describe the lecture series. Method Delegates responded to a series of questions at each session using interactive software (Turning Point). Abstract G97(P) Table 1 Seminar title, attendance and feedback score Attendance Feedback (% rating seminar as excellent or good) Introduction to medical ethics 77 98 Ethics of faith and religion in end of life care 61 100 Insight into the clinical ethics committee 51 100 The ethics of organ donation 60 98 Families, children, decision making and the law 77 91 Moral distress and resilience 64 97 Ethics of innovative treatments and medical research 55 Results The largest group attending were doctors but at least 50% were AHPs. Abstract G97(P) Table 2 Questions and responses (*30% (17) replied as unsure) Yes% (n) No% (n) Have you received any training in medical ethics? 53 47 (34) (30) Do you feel that you have received adequate training in medical ethics 29 71 to perform competently in your job? (12) (30) Do you know who sits on the hospital ethics committee? 35 65 (13) (25) Does the hospital ethics committee have any legal power? 28 72 (11) (29) Do you feel confident in establishing who has parental responsibility? 48 52 (26) (30) Do you feel culturally competent? 37 33 (20) (18)* Does a child assume the cultural beliefs of their parents? 47 52 (26) (29) Conclusion The results presented are consistent with the literature with 71% of delegates reporting a lack of confidence in medical ethics.2 We have delivered a comprehensive education program that received excellent feedback and believe that there is demand for increased ethics teaching in postgraduate training across professions.