Journal-based CME Course: Moral Intuitions About Futility as Prompts for Evaluating Goals in Mental Health Care

Activity ID

10889

Expires

September 1, 2026

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

Fee

$30

CME Provider: AMA Journal of Ethics

Description of CME Course

Mental health professionals’ moral intuitions about futility should prompt reevaluation of goals of care and care plans. Mostly, it will suffice to improve the care plan and/or slightly adjust the goal of care (eg, lower expectations), which is standard practice. Sometimes, however, all care plans that seek to reduce core symptoms (ie, that pursue a curative goal) are most likely futile and thus should not be imposed. Here, it may be in the patient’s best interest to change the goal of care toward palliation (ie, harm reduction, relief of suffering, and best possible quality of life). Thus, futility can function as a moral counterweight to the duty to treat, helping mental health professionals find the right balance between over- and undertreatment.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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NOTE: If a Member Board has not deemed this activity for MOC approval as an accredited CME activity, this activity may count toward an ABMS Member Board’s general CME requirement. Please refer directly to your Member Board’s MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Program Requirements.

General Information on CME Activity

Educational Objectives

1. Explain a new or unfamiliar viewpoint on a topic of ethical or professional conduct
2. Evaluate the usefulness of this information for health care practice, teaching, or conduct
3. Decide whether and when to apply the new information to health care practice, teaching, or conduct

Keywords

Ethics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Shared Decision Making and Communication

Competencies

Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism

CME Credit Type

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

DOI

10.1001/amajethics.2023.690