What?
On October 6th, we had the opportunity to convene with students from various interdisciplinary fields to work on a case activity related to assisted suicide. This was the third i-ethics session we have had since entering into dietetics and proved to be an interesting one with a somewhat emotional topic.
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So What?
I learned about what it means to make difficult decisions as a team and to listen to the expertise of each healthcare team member and ultimately support one another. I also learned about listening to the patient’s needs and desires even if it goes against what you may believe to be best. It’s important to include them and their loved ones in the decision making process to ensure that patient-focused care is being practised at all times.

I noticed that two specialties had more a peripheral role: dietetics and dentistry. It felt as if, at this stage in the patient’s life, nutrition support was not of the utmost importance and so quality of life and comfort of care really moved to the forefront of nutrition support. This was similar for the dental students as well, focusing on pain relief. I feel that an IPE activity garnered to dietetic and dental students specifically would be of value to students from both programs from a learning and collaboration standpoint.
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Now What?
We’ve had three i-ethics sessions now and it has been a fantastic way to meet other students and see other perspectives and bring forth what we have learned into a given case. I expect to take what I’ve learned in these sessions with me during internship and apply them in real life situations. I imagine there is much to be learned through those experiences as well and look forward to working within an interdisciplinary healthcare team with Vancouver Coastal Health.

• Year 4