Table 3 The ethical template used for ethical case analysis

1. Collecting data and defining the terms used

 medical aspects (current standard, diagnostic and treatment options, benefits and risks), psychological, relational

2. Definition of the ethical principles at stake and of the various responsibilities

 actors involved in addition to the patient, legal figures, degree of autonomy of the patient and of the persons involved, informed consent and recognition of national and international legal standards

3. Clarification of conflict of interests and identification of the ethical problems

 ethical problems

 conflicts between principles, team conflicts, conflicts between patient/family and care personnel

4. Evaluation of possible options

 Analyses of possible courses of action

5. Justification of choice

 Course of action and ethical principle

 Preferences for one course of action over another

 Resolution of conflict between values

 Principles and facts