This study evaluated 116 records of clinical bioethics consultation in which the patients' family made difficult the resolution of the problem or ethical conflict. The following aspects were evaluated: Applicants, Medical Specialties, Electronic Health Records, Patients and Family Relationships. Physicians requested 71% of the Bioethics consultation. The Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry Services demanded the majority number of consultations (56%). The patients who had their consultations registered in electronic medical records were 79%. As for response, 71% of consultations were seen on the same day or the day after requested. The percentages of male and female patients were, respectively, 48% and 52% with a mean age of 28 years, 54% of the patients were from Porto Alegre. The naturally imposed family relationships (71%) were the more prevalent. It is very import that other studies be performed in order to generate adequate comprehension about ethical problems and their possible solutions.
Bioethics; Ethics consultation; Family; Family relations