Table 1. Interview guide.

Thematic area 1 –History and organization

Could you tell me the history of the ethics committee? When did it begin operating? How? Could you tell me how it is currently organized?

Thematic area 2 –Clinical ethics consultation

In reference to the ethics committee, in accordance with its policy, could you please tell me what are the topics of the requests submitted for consultation to the clinical ethics committee? Which departments do they come from most often? OR According to EC policy the clinical ethics consultation is not among the functions of the ethics committee. Could you tell me the reasons for this choice? Over the past three years, how many requests for clinical ethics consultation have you received? OR In the past three years, have you ever received requests for clinical ethics consultation even though you were not among the functions of the ethics committee?

Thematic area 3—Procedures for clinical ethics consultation

What is the methodological approach you use to elaborate the clinical ethics response? Could you give me an example of a request for clinical ethics consultation that particularly impressed you? In your opinion, would it be useful for the ethics committee to provide clinical ethics consultations?