Professor Jackie Hoare and Dr Deirdre Pieterse from the Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, in collaboration with the Ethics Lab at the Neuroscience Institute, have launched a valuable new initiative to foster ethical discourse within clinical practice. The monthly Clinical Ethics Case Discussion Forum is an open platform for clinicians within the Faculty of Health Sciences to engage with and reflect on complex ethical issues related to patient care.

The Clinical Ethics Forum was established to provide a dedicated space where healthcare professionals can present and discuss challenging clinical cases. These cases often involve difficult ethical dilemmas, and the forum seeks to facilitate thoughtful conversation, share knowledge, and promote a deeper understanding of medical ethics. Additionally, the initiative aims to support the ongoing professional development of clinicians by incorporating an educational component into each session.

In 2024, the Clinical Ethics Forum has already seen a variety of divisions participating, including Genetics, Intensive Care, and Palliative Care, each presenting cases relevant to their field. The discussions are designed to explore the ethical aspects of these cases and encourage collaboration across disciplines, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives.

Dr. Heidi Matisson, an expert in bioethics, facilitates each discussion. Her role is instrumental in guiding the conversations and ensuring that all perspectives are considered. These sessions are structured to be interactive, providing ample opportunity for participants to engage with each other, ask questions, and develop their ethical reasoning skills.

The Clinical Ethics Forum meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 4:00 pm in Resource Room 1 at the Neuroscience Institute. Each session is CPD accredited for ethics points—clinicians earn one point per session, making it not only a learning opportunity but also for advancing their professional credentials.

These discussions are open to all Faculty of Health Sciences staff members, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or educator, the forum offers a valuable chance to deepen your understanding of medical ethics, engage with colleagues across disciplines, and contribute to a culture of ethical reflection in clinical practice.

Contact heidi.matisonn@uct.ac.za for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at the next session!