What is the role of ethics consultation in reducing moral distress and burnout?

• A. Provides guidance for ethically challenging situations, supporting staff and reducing distress.
• B. Replaces clinical judgment with ethics consultants in all cases.
• C. Increases moral distress by delaying care.
• D. Has no effect on distress.

Answer: (A)

Ethics consultation provides structured support for ethically difficult decisions, helping staff by clarifying values, options, and potential harms and by bringing together diverse perspectives to reach a well-reasoned course of action. This guidance validates concerns, reduces uncertainty, and facilitates open communication with patients, families, and the care team. When clinicians feel supported and know there is a process to address moral questions, they experience less moral residue and uncertainty, which lowers moral distress and, in turn, burnout risk. It reinforces collaboration and alignment with ethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, rather than replacing clinical judgment or delaying care.