Abstract

Enhancing Ethical Decision-Making: Educating Healthcare Providers on Proxy Consent in Critical Care Research

Author(s): Eva Turk

Proxy consent is a critical component of ethical research in intensive care units, where obtaining informed consent from incapacitated patients becomes necessary. This abstract highlights the awareness and perception of healthcare providers regarding proxy consent in critical care research. Despite its significance, healthcare providers understanding of proxy consent remains inconsistent, potentially compromising patient rights and impeding research initiatives. The challenges in perception include time constraints, ethical complexity, and communication barriers. To address these issues, comprehensive education and training programs, ethical consultation services, standardized protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration are recommended. By enhancing awareness and perception, healthcare institutions can ensure ethical and transparent proxy consent processes, benefiting both patients and the scientific community.