In March 2023, Yonsei University played host to conference titled “Ethics of End-of-Life Care: From Discourse, Policy to Practice” via the BRIDGES-BKY Project. This three-day event brought together a diverse group of participants, including BKY attendees, renowned bioethicists from South Korea and neighboring countries, government officials, and graduate students. With nearly 80 individuals in attendance, the conference served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and the exchange of ideas surrounding end-of-life care ethics. In this article, we will highlight some of the key sessions and insights from this conference.

Day 1: Theoretical Perspective – From Theory to Policy

The conference began with two captivating plenary sessions. The first session, “End-Of-Life Cares in Asian Intensive Care Units,” featured Younsuck Koh from Asan Medical Center. He provided valuable insights into the challenges and ethical considerations faced by healthcare professionals in Asian intensive care units when providing end-of-life care. The second session, led by Zoë Fritz from the University of Cambridge, delved into the case study of Resuscitation and ReSPECT, shedding light on the intersection of empirical ethics and policy. This session sparked a discussion on the significance of empirical approaches in bioethics.

Day 2: Empirical Data in End-of-Life Care

The second day of the conference focused on the presentation of empirical data and its implications for end-of-life care policy. Jenny Kitzinger from Cardiff University discussed the use of research to reform decision-making about life-sustaining treatment in the UK. Her talk highlighted the importance of empirical evidence in shaping legal frameworks surrounding end-of-life care. Satoshi Kodama from Kyoto University shared empirical data from Japan, offering valuable insights into the ethical considerations and challenges faced in their healthcare system. Shin Hye Yoo from Seoul Nat’l University Hospital presented the experience of a South Korean university hospital after implementing the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Act, sharing the ethical issues encountered and the lessons learned. These presentations stimulated a discussion on the significant impact of empirical data on policy development in end-of-life care.

Day 3 – Designing Empirical Research for Policy of End-of-Life Care:

The final day of the conference focused on small group discussions centered around designing, performing, and reporting empirical bioethics research in the field of end-of-life care. Participants engaged in lively conversations, sharing their expertise and exchanging ideas on best practices for conducting ethical research that can inform policy development.

The presentations and feedback sessions provided a platform for participants to refine their research methodologies, explore ethical considerations, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities. The discussions emphasized the need for multidisciplinary approaches, involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and ethicists, to develop comprehensive and ethically sound end-of-life care policies.

Conclusion:

The conference on the Ethics of End-of-life care offered a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the complex issues surrounding end-of-life care ethics. The engaging plenary sessions, empirical data presentations, and collaborative discussions created a vibrant atmosphere for knowledge sharing and policy development. By combining theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence, the conference underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to shape policies that align with ethical considerations. The insights gained during this event will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing end-of-life care practices and policy frameworks.