Articles tagged with Medical Ethics
New tools confirm high rates of misdiagnosis in patients with chronic disorders of consciousness. Clinicians face complex decisions regarding treatment and palliative care, requiring ethical sensitivity and awareness of evidence-based practices.
The European Chemical Agency is accused of maladministration by failing to investigate cases where animal testing could be avoided under REACH. PETA claims that ECHA is not taking adequate action to ensure compliance with the regulation's last-resort requirement, resulting in unnecessary animal testing.
Experts warn that revealing biomarker results to asymptomatic individuals can cause anxiety and depression, while safeguards are needed to prevent marginalization or mistreatment. The prevention trial aims to better understand how older adults make sense of risk information and its impact on health and well-being.
The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has received a $653,344 PCORI pilot project award to study stakeholder views on streamlined informed consent options. The project aims to identify ethically acceptable strategies for patient-centered outcomes research, capturing the views of diverse stakeholders.
A new Quebec report suggests medically assisted death should be considered an end-of-life care option for patients, rather than a criminal act. The proposal aims to protect healthcare workers and patients from potential abuses if adopted.
The Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program has been awarded a five-year continuation grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue training researchers and enhancing research ethics capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The program has already trained numerous alumni who have become recognized international experts in bioethics.
Physician-owned specialty hospitals are driven by commercial interests rather than patient care, argues Indiana University professor Joshua Perry. Despite providing jobs and revenue, these hospitals treat a lower percentage of severely ill patients and have higher costs and utilization rates compared to general hospitals.
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study faced significant ethical challenges as it investigated the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. The trial's findings provide valuable insights into managing ethical difficulties in research, while also shedding light on the importance of balancing sci...
A new ethics framework is recommended to manage conflicts of interest in the development of medical guidelines, ensuring expert input without industry influence. The study found that such a framework can help identify and address ethics issues, but further analysis and initiatives are needed.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
A recent article in the Hastings Center Report raises questions about the AMA's policy on prescribing placebos, arguing that it may not be the best way to protect or benefit patients. The article suggests that some bioethicists argue that an undisclosed placebo is sometimes the best available treatment for certain patients.
Researchers found that dual-occupation professionals change their moral judgments based on their expected role, often without realizing it. The study suggests that subtle cues and training can help employees make more informed ethical decisions.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing offers potential benefits but raises concerns about accuracy, interpretation, and sharing of results. Participants were willing to pay $10-$20 for the tests, but were hesitant due to costs ranging from $100 to $1,500.
Community-engaged research raises numerous ethical issues, including conflicts between academic and community partners, risks to groups not directly participating in the research, and distress among community partners. The authors propose several best practices and a detailed research agenda to address these concerns.
The IOM report recommends the FDA implement a single, comprehensive Benefit and Risk Assessment and Management Plan (BRAMP) to track drugs' side effects. Postmarket studies will be conducted when necessary to inform regulatory decisions, with an emphasis on protecting research participants.
A team of Johns Hopkins bioethicists argues that federal restrictions on low-risk clinical comparative effectiveness research should be streamlined, despite the proposed changes only covering social and behavior research. The authors believe this type of research poses little risk to patients and needs more efficient oversight.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine argues that the use of cash incentives to promote healthy behaviors may not be as problematic as previously thought. The authors suggest that when incentives are used to encourage people to engage in activities they are already familiar with and likely to benefit from, ethical concerns may be m...
Researchers argue that incentives can encourage participants to engage in healthy behaviors when properly designed and evidence-based. The authors propose that Research Ethics Committees require an evidence-based rationale for predicting incentive effectiveness.
Biobank researchers emphasize the need for defined systems to handle incidental findings and individual research results, aiming to ensure patient safety with genomic technologies
Dehumanization in medicine can lead to disastrous outcomes, including neglect of treatments and excessive procedures. Researchers recommend simple changes to make medical institutions more humane and effective, such as personalizing hospital rounds and increasing physician diversity.
Researchers develop a new approach to regenerating and transplanting organs using artificial scaffolds with patient stem cells, promising a potential solution to the organ donor shortage crisis. The technique requires no human donors, has no rejection issues, and eliminates the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
A Loyola bioethicist calls Jon Stewart 'our greatest public intellectual' due to his promotion of serious ideas and discourse. Kayhan Parsi argues that Stewart, through 'The Daily Show,' creates a space for writers and intellectuals to discuss their work, making him a catalyst for independent thought.
A global survey aims to capture public attitudes towards sharing genomic results, with implications for genetic research and healthcare. Participants will provide their views on the ethics of genetic testing and data sharing.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, covering topics such as culturally sensitive care, social media professionalism, and research ethics. The manual provides guidance for clinicians, educators, and researchers on navigating complex ethical dilemmas in medical practice.
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
A new project by The Hastings Center explores the medical safety net for undocumented immigrants in the US, highlighting the challenges of providing care to those without insurance. The project aims to clarify policy choices and identify consequences for patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations.
A team of researchers led by Gloria Petersen, Ph.D., will examine family preferences and produce a detailed analysis of legal and ethical issues surrounding the sharing of genetic research results with relatives. The five-year study aims to establish best practices for navigating this complex issue as bio banks archive genetic data.
A Vanderbilt University researcher is leading a $5.7 million study on the ethical and legal implications of sharing genomic research results with minors, seeking to establish best practices for such decisions.
The article explores the ethics of gallows humor in medicine, with author Katie Watson arguing that some joking between medical professionals can be beneficial. She suggests that the key to deciding when gallows humor is okay lies in understanding the intent and impact of jokes on patients and power dynamics.
A new MSU study aims to develop a model of community engagement to guide ethical questions surrounding the use of newborn blood spots in research, addressing issues like informed consent and resource prioritization. The project seeks to inform public policy decisions and improve the state's bio-bank, Michigan BioTrust.
A new report from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine calls for policies to prepare individuals and society for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Safeguards are needed to protect those at high risk or with a pre-clinical diagnosis, including laws and policies to prevent stigma and discrimination.
A European review of child organ donations highlights legal, ethical and cultural barriers across countries. The shortage of deceased donors from children is exacerbated by incompatible organ size and low donation rates.
A study found that a US Army battlefield ethics training program decreased reports of unethical conduct among soldiers and increased their willingness to report misconduct. The program, which included video clips and leader-led discussions, was associated with lower rates of self-reported unethical behavior.
The Hastings Center will use the grant to develop educational resources on ethical issues in biomedical research, including alternatives to animal models. The project aims to promote nuanced thinking on animal welfare and medical progress.
Decertification of physicians participating in lethal injections by professional certifying organizations goes too far, argue Lawrence Nelson and Brandon Ashby. The authors examine the role of physicians in lethal injections and find that they can reduce risk while not advancing or harming ethical medicine principles.
Survivors with pre-existing mental conditions, such as schizophrenia and dementia, are vulnerable to long-term harm after disasters. Disaster-response planners must prioritize their needs alongside those of physically injured individuals.
Physicians may be complicit in torture if they care for patients at the request of their torturers, but refusing treatment can abandon a patient in need. Guidelines suggest minimizing complicity by assessing consequences and following patient requests to mitigate or prevent acts of torture.
A report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics finds current biofuels policies to be unethical due to their impact on the environment and human rights. The council recommends a certification scheme to ensure environmentally sustainable and 'human rights friendly' biofuels.
The article explores the complex topic of assessing quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions, highlighting personal essays from patients, parents, and caregivers. The pieces illustrate various challenges and perspectives on disabilities, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare.
A UK policy aims to assess drug value using factors beyond clinical and cost effectiveness, including therapeutic innovation and societal benefits. The proposed 'value-based pricing' policy could change the way drugs are offered through Britain's National Health Service.
A new study found that most US states lack clear policies on storing and using newborn blood samples, often leaving parents in the dark. The researchers emphasize the need for transparent approaches to ensure parents are informed about how their babies' leftover blood might be used.
A new report by University of Leicester historian Dr. Kim Price draws parallels between past and present medical negligence, warning that the UK's Coalition Government reforms may undermine patient trust. The paper argues that similar policies in the late 19th century led to widespread neglect and poor health outcomes.
A Spanish study found that women are more empathetic and better at forgiving than men. The research also showed that parents forgive more than children, with lack of bitterness being the key condition for forgiveness.
Tests on children with developmental difficulties have led to discovery of genetic disorders, also revealing parentage information. In cases where a quarter or more of the genome is the same, the likely cause is almost certainly an incestuous relationship.
Ethicists call for UK legislation change to hold healthcare professionals accountable for patient neglect. Current law allows prosecution only when death results from serious error.
A new policy forum proposes treating participants as true stakeholders in research, fostering respectful engagement and acknowledging their willingness to take risks. Recent national events have increased attention on the use of biological samples in research, prompting calls for stronger regulations or opt-out models.
The ESHRE Task Force recommends evaluating IMAR requests based on four ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The group acknowledges benefits of IMAR but emphasizes potential psychosocial risks and importance of informed consent.
New research reveals that high-end hospital design features like private rooms and natural light can reduce healthcare-acquired infections and costs. Two case studies demonstrate the benefits of evidence-based design in hospitals and community health centers.
A survey of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors found that nearly three-quarters had a Facebook profile, with many sharing personal information and photos. The authors warn that this could lead to an ethically problematic situation if patients access their profiles, as it may be misinterpreted outside its original context.
Researchers are working on four different projects: studying MTB infection, analyzing latent infection in humans, improving chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme, and exploring gene modification for stem cell selection. The funding will support a multidisciplinary team of experts in proteomics, genetic epidemiology, and cytokine bio...
The Hastings Center has issued recommendations on growth attenuation, a controversial procedure used to restrict the growth of profoundly disabled children. The guidelines prioritize parental autonomy while establishing safeguards to ensure the child's well-being.
A study of retracted papers found US scientists were responsible for a third of all retractions, with one in three cases linked to data fabrication or falsification. Researchers from Asian nations also contributed significantly to the problem.
AMIA recommends contract language, education, and ethics to protect patient safety in HIT systems. The association calls for 'hold harmless' clauses to be declared unethical, and urges vendors and clients to adopt enterprise-wide ethics education.
The Hastings Center Report has published four essays on the next generation of bioethics, exploring new areas such as pharmaceutical industry ethics, public health, and regenerative medicine. These essays propose broadening the approach to dying and creating a framework for teaching an aging population to prepare for death.
The Hastings Center researchers and coauthors examine the challenges of providing health services to detainees in drug detention centers. They argue that leaders of health-related organizations should assess whether their programs promote health or exacerbate conditions.
Anna R. Brandon, PhD, was honored by the March of Dimes for her research on ethical barriers to perinatal mental health research. Her work aims to improve access to evidence-based treatment for pregnant women, ensuring they receive safe and effective care during pregnancy.
A recent study found that more than half of surrogate decision makers prefer to have full authority over the choice of life-support for incapacitated patients. However, a significant portion want to share or cede power to physicians. The extent of control varies based on trust in the physician overseeing care.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that full-text analysis is needed to uncover duplicate citations in the scientific literature. The researchers found that most papers are novel, but certain sections like the introduction and methods section frequently have reused content. The study offers hope for developing guidelines on acce...
The Mayo Clinic review article distinguishes between withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments and physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. Palliative sedation is recognized as a legitimate therapy for refractory suffering, with informed patient consent and medical involvement.
A new study published in Palliative Medicine reveals that German physicians do hasten death in some cases, against current ethical guidelines, and often without sufficient patient involvement. Physicians with extra qualifications in palliative care were less likely to report deliberate actions to hasten death.