Applied Clinical Ethics (ACE)

The UK's first professional course in clinical ethics designed specifically for practising clinicians.  No prior knowledge of academic medical ethics or moral philosophy needed.

Introduction

More than ever before, clinicians are confronted with complex ethical issues in their medical practice.  These include disagreements between patients, relatives, and healthcare staff over treatment decisions, issues at the beginning and end of life, medical errors, truth-telling and patient confidentiality.  Recognising the growing importance of ethical awareness in medicine, the recent Ethics in Practice report of the Royal College of Physicians (2005) concluded that key medical personnel should be suitably trained in clinical ethics.  Increasingly, formal examinations in medicine assess applicants on aspects of clinical ethics.

Now in its sixth year the Applied Clinical Ethics (ACE) course is aimed at practising clinicians and members of CECs, focusing entirely on clinical ethics and practical decision-making.  Many of the speakers are both clinicians and ethicists.  The convenient arrangement of modules, each falling on a Saturday at roughly monthly intervals, will enable delegates to apply their knowledge in between sessions and attend the course without taking time off work.

Sir William Osler famously noted that physicians need a clear head and a kind heart.  This course strives to provide clinicians with the knowledge and tools to analyse clinical ethical issues in a clear and reasoned manner.

Course Methods 

The course consists of a series of seminars, usually followed by group discussions based on the issues raised by the speakers.  Each module focuses on core aspects of clinical ethics. 

Course Aims

The course aims to provide clinicians with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make deliberated and ethical decisions in their everyday practice, and to articulate (both to themselves and others) the reasoning behind their decisions.  It should provide participants with an understanding of the main ethical issues in clinical practice, as well as the analytic tools to perform an in-depth ethics case analysis and to assist colleagues in their ethical decision-making.

CME Approval & Certificate of Attendance

The 2011 course was approved for 6 CPD credits per day by the Royal College of Physicians. We are currently seeking such approval for the 2012 course.
All participants will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course.

Why Should I Do This Course?

The Applied Clinical Ethics course will allow participants to:

• Obtain a clearer appreciation of the range of ethical issues in their practice
• Understand key concepts in clinical ethics
• Acquire a conceptual framework useful for ethical analysis
• Share their views with colleagues and explore reasoned arguments that support or challenge their existing assumptions
• Be taught by recognised experts in clinical ethics and related fields
• Help them satisfy the ethical requirements in formal medical examinations

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for hospital doctors, surgeons, general practitioners, nurses, managers and members of clinical ethics committees.  Applicants must possess a professional or academic degree from an accredited institution and be actively engaged in healthcare.  A small number of non-medical participants are welcome.  ACE 2011 had 23 participants, including surgeons, intensivists, anaesthetists, paediatricians, palliative care specialists, junior doctors, GPs and nurses.

Feedback from previous years

Here is what some of our delegates from previous years have thought about Applied Clinical Ethics

"It’s been fascinating, surprising, enjoyable and challenging and has equipped me with so many new tools. I shall face future dilemmas with even more care and thought"

"I would wholeheartedly recommend this excellent course. One of the most stimulating thought provo king well i nform ed cou rses. High quality teaching, excellent lecturers"

"An excellent overview of ethics in practice"

"All clinicians should consider it – a great way to spend a Saturday"

Bursaries

We offer a limited number of bursaries of £365 each available to Junior Doctors (sponsored by the Medical Protection Society) and to Nurses (sponsored by the School of Professional Development).
To enquire about a bursary please contacts Marta on 0207 594 6884 or e-mail.

Other funding opportunities

Royal College of Nursing offers scholarships and awards for nurses, midwives and health visitors for study, research, travel and conferences.
http://www.rcn .org. uk/membership/scholarshipsawards/rcnmembers

The Florence Nightingale Foundation pro vides scholarships for nurses and midwives (who have a current registration with t h e NMC and are working in the UK) to study at home and abroad, to promote innovation in practice and extend knowledge and skills to meet ch anging needs.
http://www.florence-nightingale-foundation.org.uk/ 

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke - The Research Training Scheme offers grants to support research training for nurses and Allied Health Professionals in Northern Ireland. Applicants may apply for support to attend individual courses/modules, e.g. research design an d methodology including conducting clinical trials/focus groups, or for completing a research Masters Degree e.g. Master of Clinical Research. The value of the grant will range up to a maximum of £6,000. For full details on how to apply and the lat est closing dates, please visit http://www.nichsa.com/research/nurses/

The Worshipful Company of Curriers provides an opportunity for primary healthcare professionals to enhance the healthcare of families and children in Inner London who, through socio-economic deprivation or other adverse social factors, are at high risk of physical and psychological illness . The Bursary provides funding for training courses and for pilot research projects.
http://www.curriers.co.uk/bursary.htm