What does “ethical rounding” entail in the context of palliative care?

In the context of palliative care, "ethical rounding" is a critical practice that focuses on reviewing patient cases specifically to identify and address ethical concerns that may arise among the healthcare team. This process involves open discussions among team members about the challenges and moral dilemmas faced while providing care, particularly for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses.

Ethical rounding ensures that the values and preferences of patients are respected and that the decisions made align with ethical principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice. It encourages collaboration and communication, allowing team members to share insights and perspectives that contribute to a holistic approach to patient care. This practice is particularly important in palliative care, where complex emotional and ethical issues frequently arise due to the nature of the patients' conditions and the goals of care.

While other options touch on important aspects of care delivery—such as medication management, patient comfort, and physical health assessments—they do not encompass the broader ethical considerations that ethical rounding specifically aims to address.