Articles tagged with Medical Ethics
University of Illinois Chicago faculty members advocate for research ethics reforms to engage Black populations in COVID-19 and BLM-related studies. The authors recommend understanding ongoing trauma, acknowledging historical context, and ensuring diverse research teams to foster trust.
A multidisciplinary team of international experts recommends that healthy individuals participating in COVID-19 challenge trials should receive substantial payment. The study's findings reflect the importance of compensating research-related harms and minimizing risk to promote social value. The researchers' framework provides guidance...
The current 14-day limit on human embryo research is being urged to be extended to 28 days, as technology and knowledge have advanced over the past 40 years. This could lead to discoveries of new treatments for recurrent miscarriage and developmental abnormalities.
A paper in the European Journal of Human Genetics warns that coercive DNA collection is unethical and damaging to medical research. The authors call for a mass reassessment of literature and require further information on consent and ethical approvals.
Paul Farmer, a renowned global health expert, has been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, social inequality, and human rights. His impactful ideas have reshaped how we think about health and disease, particularly in resource-poor communities.
Researchers and ethicists debate the risks and benefits of human challenge trials, which involve deliberately exposing healthy volunteers to coronavirus to test vaccine effectiveness. Despite potential risks, the expert argues that the massive benefits outweigh the concerns, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A commentary discusses the need to weigh scientific validity against social value in COVID-19 vaccine development, highlighting concerns about long-term efficacy and safety. Vaccination efforts could intensify debates around early deployment, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues.
Brown professor Rose McDermott and Penn State University's Peter K. Hatemi argue that the use of computers, social media, and other digital tools in field experiments can cause harm to individuals and societies. They call for updated ethical standards to address potential risks in large-scale experiments.
A new paper argues that robots designed for older adults can provide essential human values like social interaction, emotional fulfillment, and bodily integrity. The author suggests that Western cultures' narrow view of sex as lust needs to be challenged, and that robots can enable people to experience physical affection and self-respect.
Designing and marketing sexbots for older adults with disabilities could promote emotional health and wellbeing, counter ageism and stereotyping. This is based on research showing that sexual desires are fundamental to human dignity and respect, even in older age.
A new Hastings Center project aims to develop an ethics framework for scientists to anticipate and prevent biases in health data models. The framework will consider data use, bias toward white populations, and equitable interventions to address health disparities.
A leading ethicist suggests paying people to get the COVID-19 jab to achieve widespread coverage and stamp out infection. The proposal aims to boost vaccination uptake when voluntary schemes prove insufficient, considering financial or 'payment in kind' incentives.
Anand Devaiah, MD, delivers virtual Conley Lecture on Medical Ethics at the AAOHNS Annual Meeting, discussing social determinants of health. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these factors in healthcare to achieve better health equity.
A surge in COVID-19 research submissions has led to a wave of retracted papers and concerns about data integrity, posing significant risks to patients and clinicians. The rapid pace of research raises questions about quality checks and ethical oversight.
Experts argue that the assisted dying debate needs a radical shift in perspective, moving beyond a medical framework. Studies show that depression, hopelessness, and perception of being a burden are stronger predictors of desire to hasten death.
A new report highlights the need for ethical guidance in responding to high local rates of suicide risk discovered through anonymous student health surveys. CU researchers urge national public health and education associations to produce clear guidelines for surveyors, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and support.
A University of Illinois expert warns that DIY COVID-19 vaccines can be dangerous and undermine public trust in vaccines. The development of homemade medical interventions lacks the rigorous testing and safety protocols required by law, posing significant risks to public health.
Researchers propose national and global citizens' assemblies to examine the ethical and moral issues surrounding genome editing, involving laypeople from diverse backgrounds. The goal is to develop moral and political regulation and ensure fair access to the technology.
Critics argue that male circumcision campaigns in Africa are not based on robust science but on racist assumptions about culture, health, and sexuality. The campaigns have been carried out without sufficient contextual research and with underrepresentation of African voices.
An interdisciplinary team at TUM advocates integrating ethics into AI development from the beginning. Key findings show that embedded ethics approach can promote ethical awareness and social issues analysis in engineering teams. The project aims to develop concrete solutions for engineers and designers.
The opioid crisis presents complex ethical challenges, including the conflation of pain policy with drug policy. Researchers argue that tailoring policy to root causes can improve treatment outcomes. Disentangling these issues is crucial for developing humane and ethical solutions.
Researchers propose empirical bioethics studies to address unique ethical challenges in COVID-19 management, including resource allocation and patient rights. The studies aim to provide a body of evidence describing these challenges and informing interventions.
A new viewpoint piece in JAMA outlines key considerations for implementing chatbots in healthcare, including patient safety, trust, and transparency. The authors propose a framework to inform decision-making on chatbot implementation, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation and research.
A new study explores patients' views on hospital fundraising practices, finding that certain strategies cause concerns. Hospitals can show appreciation to donors through nicer hospital rooms, expedited appointments, or providing doctors' cell phone numbers, while avoiding wealth screening and sharing patient names without permission.
Medical ethicists warn against premature COVID-19 triage, citing concerns over fairness and strain on patients and medical personnel. The experts advocate for increased regional, national, and international collaboration in intensive care to avoid shortages.
A new Hastings Center special report critiques the role of genomics in perpetuating racism and inequality. The report argues that genomic knowledge can thwart medicine's advancement of justice and create new forms of social classification and surveillance.
Certain medications and medical devices contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, posing risks to vulnerable patients. Healthcare providers must be aware of these hidden risks to provide ethically sound care.
Clinic staff prioritize future child welfare and responsible use of public resources when assessing potential parents, limiting access to fertility treatment. The study highlights the need for a discussion on prioritizing assisted reproduction over individual rights.
New articles in the Hastings Center report explore the ethics of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, with a focus on social justice and historical disadvantage. The articles discuss the allocation of scarce resources, safety concerns for healthcare workers, and the impact on marginalized communities.
Researchers argue that deliberate infection can be done ethically and speed up vaccine development, with safeguards in place. The study provides guidance for regulators and researchers on maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
Current ICU protocols lack detail, leaving doctors exposed to legal liability in case of medical shortages. The study argues that denying treatment based on disability or age could violate patient rights and cause unlawful death.
The Hastings Center recommends a triage protocol that prioritizes patients most likely to survive with treatment. However, critics argue that this approach may be biased against people with disabilities, who often face barriers in accessing care. The authors aim to balance life-saving interventions with respect for human dignity.
CHI studies could accelerate vaccine development, but raise significant ethical concerns due to risks and potential harm to participants. An expert framework outlines conditions under which such studies would be ethically acceptable.
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine published the first clinical data on COVID-19 in South Africa, covering various aspects of the pandemic. The special issue includes articles on diagnosis, ethics, social dimensions, and herd immunity as a strategy for fighting COVID-19.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe ventilator triage policies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American College of Physicians Ethics Committee also warns against using universal do-not-resuscitate orders and life-years approaches to ration resources, citing ethical concerns.
Ethicists from Carnegie Mellon and McGill universities recommend prioritizing rigorous research approaches, such as master protocols, to ensure high-quality clinical trials. They argue that crises like the COVID-19 pandemic heighten the responsibility of key actors in the research enterprise to uphold scientific standards.
Experts argue that age should not be used to decide who receives life-saving treatment, as it leads to unfair discrimination. Dave Archard suggests the fair innings argument, while Arthur Caplan believes age can be a valid criterion supported by data.
A new framework has been developed to share clinical data for research and AI algorithm development, prioritizing patient privacy and ethical standards. The framework supports the release of de-identified and aggregated data, with safeguards in place to protect patient identity.
A coronavirus mobile app could significantly help contain the spread of the virus, according to Oxford University experts. The team recommends deploying the app as part of an integrated control strategy that identifies infected people and their recent contacts using digital technology.
A large-scale malaria vaccine study by the World Health Organization has been criticized for failing to obtain informed consent from parents whose children are taking part in the study. The WHO claims that a 'pilot introduction' and not a research activity, but experts argue that this violates international ethical standards.
A study finds that about 42% of physicians experience moral distress when making decisions for surrogate decision-makers, leading to burnout, depression, and compromised professional integrity. Effective communication with surrogates and patients is key to diminishing physician moral distress.
The US healthcare system is facing significant mistrust issues, with experts calling for action to improve patient trust and care. Experts recommend five actions: exploring patients' mistrust, developing individual and institutional efforts to mend and prevent mistrust, being culturally humble, making empathy part of relationships, and...
A pilot program launched by the Berlin Institute of Health aims to enhance the quality and value of translational research through training, tools, and monetary incentives. The QUEST Center's initiative seeks to address concerns over transparency and reproducibility in biomedical science.
The article discusses the vulnerability of crowdsourced research participants and the need for improved ethics oversight. Proposed measures include encouraging collective action by crowd workers and ground-up crowdsourced research ethics guidelines, as well as reviewing the differences between expanded access and Right to Try pathways.
Primary care physicians should discuss 'virginity' testing as part of comprehensive sexual education, building trust and assessing knowledge, attitudes and practice in at-risk patients.
Ethicists argue that sperm donation after death is morally permissible to plug the UK's shortage of donor sperm and increasing demand. The process would involve collecting and freezing sperm after death through electrical stimulation or surgery, with health checks addressing potential genetic concerns.
A new study finds that volunteer tourism can aid disaster recovery in communities by considering local conditions and the community's needs. The study examined the impact of volunteer tourism programs in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, showing its potential to contribute to recovery and resilience.
The development of neural-digital interfaces raises concerns about equality, identity, security, privacy, and access. The roundtable explores societal and ethical issues surrounding these technologies.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative collaboration highlights potential issues and offers recommendations for clinical research with neural devices, emphasizing the need for informed consent and post-trial responsibilities. The paper discusses three main areas of ethical challenges related to these devices.
The article discusses human-animal chimeras with brains composed of human cells, raising questions about their moral status. The author argues that a standard view, which considers human cognitive capacities morally significant, is mistaken and proposes a better framework for thinking about the moral status of part-human beings.
Researchers are expanding brain organoid research, raising concerns about the potential for consciousness in host animals. The authors propose an ethical framework grounded in scientific principles to address these issues and ensure responsible use of this technology.
A study found that lop-eared rabbits are more prone to ear canal narrowing, ear infections, tooth overgrowth, and dental problems, potentially leading to pain and discomfort. The research calls into question the ethics of breeding and buying these popular pet rabbits.
A commentary by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing nurse-bioethicist Connie Ulrich explores the impact of ethical issues on clinicians. Moral distress can lead to burnout and erosion of moral strength, but developing coping skills and addressing organizational factors can help.
The University of Miami has received a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Research Integrity to promote research integrity in Argentina. The grant aims to increase awareness of institutional policy and training in responsible conduct of research.
A study on learning health organizations highlights the paradox of bystander ethics, where researchers must navigate ethical principles with quality improvement research. The authors propose a workaround to address this challenge, but critics argue it is inadequate.
The SING workshop brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists to discuss genomic tools and their social and political ramifications. Participants learn about the limitations of genomics research and its applications in health and environmental policy.
Researchers from the University of Otago propose a more nuanced approach to gender divisions in elite sports, considering principles of inclusion and fairness. They suggest alternatives to current guidelines, including options for transwomen's participation, to balance diversity and fair competition.
A multistakeholder study proposes six policy options for governing heritable genome editing, including proactive regulation and broad public engagement. Meanwhile, gynecological surgery reform is urged due to declining OB-GYN skills and lack of transparency, putting patient safety at risk.
A new national study led by Columbia University aims to understand barriers to minority group participation in genetic studies and support policies to create a more diverse genetic database. The four-year study will analyze diversity and inclusion practices at academic medical centers across the US.
The Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill University will develop policies, tools, and support to enable efficient and ethical international data sharing for the Human Cell Atlas. The project aims to address regulatory and ethical questions arising from research at scale, including patient consent and guiding principles.