Table 6 Examples of significance for specific patients concerned by the ethical challenges assessed

4

Reduction in antipsychotic medication? Contrary to expectation, the clinician experienced support from her colleagues – including the physician. As a consequence, she had a new unexpected possibility to meet the patient’s wish for a reduction in antipsychotic medicine.

5

Continuation of treatment cure is unlikely. Despite the absence of an obvious treatment effect, the clinician experienced her actions legitimized by her colleagues, and the patient’s treatment was continued.

6

The staff was frustrated by a patient constantly calling for assistance. The ERG gave room for changes in attitude towards the patient, describing him not as annoying but as suffering from loneliness. The stigmatization of banning him from the common room was addressed, and the actions of staff changed. As a consequence, the patient received more positive attention from staff.

7

Fluctuating patient wish for termination of treatment. The clinician worried about letting down a severely impaired patient if ending the treatment. It would be a violation of the duty to help, which was an important value to this clinician. During the deliberation process, respect for patient autonomy was introduced as a professional value. The result was a gradual, and much less dramatic, ending of treatment three months later, for the good of both the patient and the clinician.