Ethics and evidence in end of life decision making. Interdisciplinary perspectives – „End-of-life decision making has been subject of intensive normative as well as empirical analysis. Traditionally, the question of what constitutes a good end of life is dealt with in the field of normative ethics. However, socio-empirical and clinical research can deliver important information for ethical judgements about end-of-life practice. Moreover, an in creasing number of research studies focus on eliciting data which are relevant for ethical considerations near the end of life. In recent years several interventions have been developed which shall support practice and decision making in ethically difficult situations. The aim of this conference is to bring together researchers from different scientific fields in europe and the us who are currently conducting research which can further the understanding of end-of-life decision making and stimulate the development of interventions which may support patients, care-givers and healthcare professionals with ethically difficult decisions at the end of life”.

Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment from adults who lack capacity: The role of law in medical practice – „This project aims to determine doctors' knowledge and practice in relation to the law that governs decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment from adults who lack capacity. It will identify training and educational needs, and find ways to improve the law by suggesting reforms. In doing so, the project aims to produce better outcomes for patients and their family and friends, to enhance clinical practice through promoting lawful decision-making, and to reduce health expenditure incurred because of defensive medicine and legal compliance costs”.