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How Big Tech’s new health AI assistants are redefining care

The rise of consumer-facing health AI assistants is transforming healthcare access, offering users personalized medical workspaces and real-time lab result interpretation. However, concerns around data privacy and the risk of misdiagnosis highlight the need for caution in this rapidly evolving landscape.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 5, 2026

New study: Fewer women want to have children

A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2025

TTUHSC conducting study to help patients that experience traumatic blood loss

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is conducting a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of calcium and vasopressin in treating severely injured patients who experience significant blood loss. The study, known as CAVALIER, will enroll approximately 1,050 participants aged 18-90.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2025

Utah law allowing minors to revoke medical consent is ‘attacking the foundation of the US healthcare system’

A new law in Utah allows minors to revoke their informed consent for gender-affirming care, casting a cloud over the trusted process between doctors and patients. This legislation puts clinicians at risk of litigation and may limit access to necessary medical treatments.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 4, 2025

Clear legal rules about the use of sperm and eggs in fertility treatment must remain to protect the vulnerable, study says

A new study emphasizes the importance of strict legal rules governing fertility treatment in the UK, warning that recent court cases could create a common law exception to informed consent. The research highlights the need for rigorous consent regimes to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation and misuse of genetic material.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal Studies·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Advancing clinical trial accessibility: A novel software breakthrough in enrollment efficiency

A joint study by Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University found that teleconsent, a remote consenting method, is the preferred approach for clinical trial participation. This method eliminates travel costs and improves real-time communication between researchers and participants, increasing trust and understanding.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

The chatbot will see you now:

A chatbot-based system improved the informed consent process for genomics research studies, leading to faster completion, higher understanding, and increased accessibility. The study involved 72 families and found that 96% of participants passed a quiz assessing their knowledge, with 86% reporting a positive experience.

Patient decision aids enhance informed consent for interventional radiology procedures

A prospective study found that patient decision aids improve patients' self-perceived understanding of image-guided procedures and satisfaction with the consent conversation. Patients who received a PDA before their visit reported significantly greater understanding and felt more listened to by their clinician.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

New in Ethics & Human Research, September-October 2022 issue

The Hastings Center introduces five ethical criteria to improve human subject protections in phase I healthy volunteer trials and research biopsies. These guidelines focus on translational science value, fair opportunity and burden sharing, fair compensation for service, experiential welfare, and enhanced voice and recourse.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2022

Ethical communication in the age of information

Researchers from Osaka University proposed a comprehensive ethical framework and practical guidance for communicating with research participants through the Internet. The framework addresses issues such as participant recruitment, informed consent, and data protection, aiming to improve future practice in medical research.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 20, 2022

Women left in the dark when faced with a breech birth

A recent study by Edith Cowan University highlights the lack of information available to women with a breech presenting baby. Women often feel pressured into having a caesarean section without being fully informed of all options, including vaginal birth and alternative techniques such as moxibustion.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Midwifery·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Should all babies have their genome sequenced at birth?

Experts debate whether newborn genome sequencing should be routine, with some arguing it can save lives and be cost-effective. A phased rollout is advocated, with genomic information disclosed sequentially at appropriate ages. The rollout requires data quality improvement and informed consent.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 17, 2021

New insights into pancreatitis

This study validates the significance of two critical thresholds in pancreatitis, one for damage to acinar cells and another for clinical symptoms. It highlights the importance of cost transparency, preoperative informed financial consent, and price regulation to reduce financial hardship faced by patients and their families.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPancreatology·DateJan 13, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A team of bioethicists from Johns Hopkins University emphasizes the need for informed consent in public health activities, including those related to COVID-19. The authors suggest that good governance of public health surveillance infrastructure is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent research abuses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

Telemedicine helps improve participation in clinical trials

Researchers at Nemours Children's Health System developed a novel video-based informed consent process to improve participants' understanding and retention of trial information. The study found that caregivers of children who watched the video presentation retained more information about the study design five months later.

Supporting women's autonomy in prenatal testing

The Hastings Center recommends adopting reimbursement policies and guidelines to support clinicians in providing informed consent for prenatal genetic testing. The authors also suggest funding education and counseling approaches to help patients make decisions about testing.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2017

Multisensory education enhances patient understanding of orthopaedic conditions

A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that incorporating multiple senses in physician-patient conversations improves patient comprehension of orthopaedic conditions. The study showed significant differences in understanding between groups using verbal, video, and model-based discussions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 6, 2016

Building trust for online health research

Bioethicists argue that traditional informed consent models do not translate well to online health research, requiring a more collaborative approach to build trust with individuals whose information is collected. Transparent disclosure of research uses is also crucial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013