When a patient is incompetent and unrepresented, alternative strategies must be implemented to document and try to rectify an error.

Physicians should provide women considering abortion after Down syndrome screening with unbiased information and not attempt to influence their decision.

Despite clear donor consent, health professionals must communicate clearly about death to family members to avoid confusion.

Alternatives to suing could help open communication between injured patients and clinicians.

Lindsey E. Carlasare joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Gerald B. Hickson: “Whose Responsibility Is It to Address Bullying in Health Care?”

Chaplains can mediate between physicians and families by clarifying religious issues for physicians, who can then present treatment options informed by a patient’s priorities. Ideally, family and religious values and a physician’s judgment should work together to inform decision making.

Although poor communication is the root cause of medical malpractice claims, in cases of medical error, apologies reduce litigation and benefit patients.

Kevin Hosseini’s painting of his tutor’s dog, Bella.