Journal-based CME Course: How Should Compassion Be Expressed as a Primary Clinical and Ethical Value in Anorexia Nervosa Intervention?

Activity ID

11010

Expires

March 19, 2027

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

Fee

$30

CME Provider: AMA Journal of Ethics

Description of CME Course

Use of force in the care of patients with severe anorexia nervosa is controversial but can be justified when the disorder becomes life-threatening. However, even when forced treatment is ethically justified, care teams must navigate clinical and moral complexities, including risk of harm to the patient or disagreement among clinicians and family members about what constitutes the most compassionate way to execute force. Physical, pharmaceutical, or other means of force, even when justifiable, can easily undermine therapeutic capacity in patient-clinician relationships, erode trust, or exacerbate distress, raising the clinical and ethical stakes. This commentary examines the role of force in compassionate care of an adolescent patient hospitalized with extreme anorexia nervosa and suggests strategies for reaching consensus, minimizing harm, and maximizing the chance of a therapeutic outcome when forced intervention is a compassionate thing to do.

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

Feeding and Eating Disorders, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ethics, Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics

Competencies

Medical Knowledge, Professionalism

CME Credit Type

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

DOI

10.1001/amajethics.2021.298