In conflicts between patient wishes and family desires, what process helps resolve them?

• A. Family wishes always take precedence.
• B. Ethics consultations, patient/surrogate input, and institutional policies help resolve conflicts.
• C. Courts must be involved in every conflict.
• D. Physician's judgment overrides patient wishes.

Answer: (B)

Resolving conflicts between patient wishes and family desires relies on a structured ethical process that brings ethics input, patient or surrogate perspectives, and institutional guidelines. Ethics consultations provide a neutral, methodical discussion to clarify values, interpret the patient’s preferences, and weigh care options. The patient’s stated wishes guide decisions if they have capacity; if not, a surrogate makes decisions based on substituted judgment or the patient’s known values and any advance directives. Institutional policies offer consistent procedures and safeguards to guide decisions across cases, supporting clinicians and families alike. Courts are not required in every dispute and are typically reserved for specific legal questions or unresolved conflicts. This combined approach best balances respect for autonomy with practical care considerations and family input, making it the most effective way to resolve such conflicts.