Articles tagged with Medical Ethics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Patients with severe heart failure who request withdrawal of ventricular assist device (VAD) support have the right to do so, according to Mayo Clinic investigators. The VAD is a long-term treatment option for patients with severe heart failure, but some experience complications that lead them to request its removal.
The MRC refused to fund IVF research that led to the birth of Louise Brown, citing concerns about embryo quality and patient safety. The researchers argue for more complex reasons, including strategic errors by Edwards and Steptoe in their funding application.
The American Academy of Family Physicians accepted a large donation from Coca-Cola to fund obesity prevention materials, raising concerns about conflict of interest and loyalty to public health. In contrast, the organization's actions were seen as an effort to serve physicians and patients by addressing unmet public health needs.
A Johns Hopkins-led committee, sponsored by the FDA, will examine drug safety studies' scientific and ethical issues. The committee aims to deliver a report on July 1 outlining key considerations for clinical trials evaluating post-market drug safety.
Experts warn that poor scientific quality and lack of oversight can undermine the entire scientific enterprise. The authors propose four key questions to answer when proposing human studies of new therapies to safeguard medical research advancement.
RAM founder Stan Brock will be recognized for his 25-year commitment to delivering free healthcare worldwide. The Inamori Ethics Prize honors exemplary ethical leadership, and Brock joins Dr. Francis S. Collins and Mary Robinson as winners.
Research on individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, such as dementia patients, is crucial for developing future treatments. However, current guidelines are often arbitrary and prioritize individual interests over the well-being of these groups.
A study analyzing two popular medical dramas found that they often depict bioethical issues and actions that run afoul of professional codes of conduct. Informed consent was the most frequently observed issue, with exemplary discussions being more common than inadequate ones.
Researchers found that physicians prioritize what's best for the patient overall, followed by the patient's preferences and pain management. However, ageist assumptions may influence decision-making, with a decreased reliance on patient preferences among older adults.
Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...
A Johns Hopkins emergency physician describes the daily struggle of making emotionally difficult ethical decisions amidst a massive influx of patients and limited medical resources. The essay outlines how standards of care were adjusted to prioritize those most likely to benefit from treatment, raising concerns about inhumane medicine.
Duke University professor Amy Laura Hall argues that cultural views on evolution can have significant ethical implications. She critiques popularized ideas about evolution that reinforce racial biases, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of human development.
A UCSF team recommends modifying NIH stem cell guidelines to protect the rights of individuals donating egg or sperm to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. The guidelines currently give IVF patients unrestricted authority over embryos leftover after fertility treatments.
A new checklist called CURVES (Choose and Communicate, Understand, Reason, Value, Emergency and Surrogate) has been developed to quickly assess a patient's decision-making capacity in emergency situations. The acronym helps physicians determine whether a patient is able to make decisions in life-or-death situations.
Women with severe obesity may receive assisted reproduction treatment if they can achieve significant weight loss. Smoking is also a concern, as it reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage. The ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law suggests balancing patient autonomy with societal responsibilities and future child safety.
A Johns Hopkins neurologist argues that futile and expensive end-of-life care can be a major contributor to the unaffordable cost of healthcare. He suggests weighing patient autonomy against societal costs and suggests 'nudging' families towards comfort care, particularly in cases of premature births.
The American College of Physicians has issued a position paper to guide ethical relationships among patients, physicians, and caregivers. The paper outlines four primary principles for physicians to consider when collaborating with patients and caregivers, including respect for patient dignity and effective communication.
Genome-wide association studies are increasingly conducted in developing countries, raising ethical concerns about data release, privacy, and security. A study developed a 'managed' approach to oversee open access, define acceptable uses of data, and guide the timing of data release.