Articles tagged with Medical Ethics
A survey of US citizens found that many are willing to donate a kidney, with 68% open to donating to anyone and 59% motivated by $50,000 payment. The study suggests compensating living kidney donors could alleviate the organ shortage.
Two experts argue over whether doctors should boycott working in Australia's immigration detention centers, with one advocating for a firm stance against supporting torture and the other suggesting that physicians should focus on providing adequate care while promoting redress through other means.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis created a quality-control tool called PopQC to ensure hard-working cells dominate in microbial fermentation processes, resulting in threefold enhanced production of free fatty acid and tyrosine. This innovation addresses the universal problem of biological noise, which affects the work ...
The US medical community will play a key role in determining the ethically acceptable path forward for clinical application of mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs). MRTs aim to prevent certain debilitating diseases related to mutated mitochondrial DNA by replacing a mother's mtDNA with that of another woman. The first use of MRT...
Gynaecologists propose permitting small surgical 'nicks' or minimalist procedures that change the appearance of young women's external genitalia without harming them. This compromise approach aims to uphold cultural traditions while safeguarding girls' and women's health and wellbeing. However, some experts disagree, arguing that such ...
A doctor is calling for the removal of provisions that can imprison doctors who prioritize patient care over government instructions. The move follows a high-profile case where paediatricians refused to discharge a baby facing deportation, highlighting the 'impossible ethical and legal position' faced by doctors in Australia.
Research by Michigan State University found that ethical leaders are more likely to experience mental exhaustion, leading to moral licensing and increased abuse towards employees. To combat this, experts recommend prioritizing employee self-care, such as breaks, sleep, exercise, and boundary-setting.
A study on the history of hemodialysis explores how medical research and technological advancements impact resource distribution. The investigation found that bioethical principles, such as autonomy and justice, are weighed differently over time, emphasizing the need for sustainable ethical solutions.
Recent epigenetics research highlights molecular mechanisms influencing gene expression through socioenvironmental factors. Big data raises concerns over immortalized participant data, privacy, and anonymity, prompting recommendations for strengthening ethical consent practices.
Scholars Lawrence O. Gostin and Anna E. Roberts examine state laws surrounding physician-assisted death, highlighting concerns over coercion, devaluation of human life, and potential abuse. They advocate for stricter safeguards to ensure the practice remains consistent with social and ethical thought.
The US military health care environment should adopt and implement the Defense Health Board's recommendations to prioritize patient ethics. The board's review highlighted dual loyalty conflicts between professional obligations and organizational requirements.
A national survey of 255 Muslim American physicians found that nearly half felt greater scrutiny at work, and one in four experienced workplace religious discrimination. The study emphasizes the need for policies to promote respect and accommodation for minority religions in the healthcare workforce.
A national survey of 255 Muslim American physicians found nearly half experienced greater scrutiny at work due to their religion. Despite no association with religious appearance or practice, these doctors face similar rates of career advancement restrictions, sparking calls for targeted workforce diversity efforts.
The November-December issue of the Hastings Center Report explores the ethics of neural devices, including deep brain stimulation and brain-computer interfaces. The issue also examines the use of e-cigarettes in health care organizations, where controversy surrounds their safety and effectiveness.
A new study ranks drugs based on their transparency and ethical practices, finding that nearly half of all reviewed drugs had undisclosed Phase II or III trials. The 'Good Pharma Scorecard' aims to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to improve disclosure, benefiting consumers and protecting human research subjects.
A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.
A new consensus guideline recommends that researchers share genomic findings with family members when necessary to avert imminent harm. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of protecting participant privacy and involving relatives in decision-making.
The Hastings Center Report explores enhancement debates, including gene editing and emotions. Alberto Giubilini argues that the methodological divide between bioconservatives and bioliberals is less significant than thought. The report also examines genome editing, ecological research ethics, and organ donation conversations.
Researchers found a 5% improvement in peer review report quality when articles underwent open peer review compared to single-blind models. Author-suggested reviewers also tended to recommend acceptance more often than non-author suggested reviewers.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University developed an innovative ethics-based model to ensure academic-industry partnerships are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The nine-principle framework includes academic freedom, conflict of interest policy, governance, protection of human subjects, and transparency.
The Hastings Center has received a $1.1 million NIH grant to conduct an ethical analysis of next-generation prenatal genetic tests, informing clinical guidelines and policy recommendations. The project aims to identify principles and values guiding the use of these tests, as well as policies needed to support their ethical use.
A systematic review found modafinil enhances cognition in non-sleep-deprived individuals, particularly on complex tasks. The drug improves decision-making, planning, and mood, while having minimal side effects.
The Assisted Dying Bill aims to provide protection for terminally ill and mentally competent adults through judicial consent, but experts disagree on its safeguards. Jacky Davis argues that the bill will result in fewer suffering deaths, while Baroness Ilora Finlay warns of potential vulnerabilities among certain groups.
Ethicists warn that patient-funded trials threaten scientific rigor, relevance, efficiency, and fairness. The model lacks mechanisms to ensure research is grounded in good science, potentially delaying innovation and harming patients.
Genome researchers should disclose misattributed parentage to parents to respect their autonomy and sense of self. The issue also explores punishing health care providers for treating terrorists, highlighting the need for moral and legal clarity in such situations.
Partnerships between multinational companies and child health programs can improve treatment rates and access to life-saving treatments, but also pose an ethical minefield. Critics argue that these connections can legitimize the sale of unhealthy products while diverting resources from public health measures.
Stritch School of Medicine's reflection-based curriculum aims to promote student self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and social justice. Students engage in regular reflections on their experiences through the Patient Centered Medicine Course and co-curricular programs.
Dr. Ferdinand Kiemeneij and Dr. Shigeru Saito received the Ethica Award for their roles in developing and teaching the radial approach to coronary catheterization. They are internationally renowned for their contributions to interventional medicine, patient comfort, and quality of life.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early and intensive communication between healthcare teams and families to prevent conflicts. In cases where disputes remain unresolvable, a fair process of dispute resolution involving expert consultants and mediation is recommended.
The Hastings Center Report delves into the impact of patient-satisfaction surveys on healthcare quality, arguing they may compromise care and raise costs. The issue also examines the role of courage in healthcare, highlighting its limitations in certain contexts.
Medical ethicists propose a solution to the US organ shortage crisis by introducing an 'uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death' (UDCDD) approach. This method considers deceased individuals for donation even outside hospitals, allowing families to decide later if they want to preserve organs for potential donation.
Elective tubal sterilization is readily available to women with private payment, but Medicaid beneficiaries face a 30-day wait. Experts argue that this violates healthcare justice and access to permanent contraception for low-income women. The policy restricts nearly half of annual deliveries paid by Medicaid.
A special issue in Academic Medicine explores 'professional identity formation' and its implications for preventing burnout. The issue offers insights into guiding students through the process, which is not always intuitive, and highlights the importance of reflective writing in developing a strong professional identity.
Research reveals that Dutch doctors are withholding treatment from a substantial proportion of elderly patients, driven by considerations of comfort and respect rather than ageism. Treatment was withheld in 37% of cases, with the oldest patients being more likely to have artificial feeding and fluids or antibiotics withdrawn.
In a deadly, rapidly spreading infectious disease like Ebola, traditional randomized clinical trials may be inadequate. Alternative trial designs can provide useful information and are morally justifiable, says a new article in the American Journal of Bioethics.
A survey of 1,095 adults found that patients prefer simple explanations and doctor queries over burdensome consent regulations. The study's findings will inform US Office of Human Research Protections and FDA regulations on patient permissions for research conducted during clinical care.
New research reveals that increased health insurance access does not fully close the gap in health outcomes for minority and low-income populations. Expert Marshall Chin emphasizes the need for financial incentives, improved communication, and support for vulnerable populations to overcome existing disparities.
The Hastings Center Report explores how the term 'rationing' has been replaced by 'value' in discussions about controlling health care costs. The report also examines the structure of clinical translation and its impact on patient care.
The US transplant organ shortage continues to grow, with thousands on waiting lists for 5 years or more. Medical leaders propose removing financial disincentives and exploring incentives like health insurance post-donation to ensure donor safety. However, there is ongoing debate about the ethics of introducing financial payments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a conceptual model defining three sources of patient dignity: shared humanity, personal narrative, and autonomy. The study identifies four consensus areas relevant to treatment with respect and dignity in the ICU, including treating patients as human beings, unique individuals, and entitled t...
India's Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011 is criticized for lacking specific criminal penalties and civil protections for whistleblowers. Despite this, organizations like Medileaks offer a platform for doctors to share information about malpractices in medicine.
A study suggests that Republicans and Independents are more likely to disapprove of lenient neurolaw reforms, while Democrats support equally across framing conditions. This finding underscores the need for careful public presentation of neuroscience in law to maintain a non-polarizing stance.
A special issue of Biopreservation and Biobanking Journal explores China's biobanking strategy, highlighting its role in accelerating translational research. The articles discuss the country's biosample collection, analysis capabilities, and ethical management guidelines.
The use of big data to detect disease outbreaks has the potential to strengthen global public health surveillance, but raises ethical questions about privacy, consent, and legitimacy. The authors propose a framework to address these challenges, including adapting requirements for public health contexts and ensuring methodological robus...
The Hastings Center Report explores the controversy surrounding the Surfactant, Positive Pressure, and Oxygenation Randomized Trial (SUPPORT), a study that gauged risks and benefits of blood oxygen levels in premature infants. The debate highlights concerns over informed consent and the ethics of comparative effectiveness research.
A Penn State College of Medicine researcher proposes updating professional medical society guidelines to address when it is ethically justified to Google a patient. The proposed guidelines would help healthcare providers navigate the use of search engines in patient care.
Medical ethicists offer guidance on life-sustaining therapies for Ebola patients in developed countries, balancing risks and benefits. Former Surgeon General David Satcher discusses the importance of credibility and influence in the role, emphasizing scientific evidence-based reports.
Loyola Medicine argues that medical schools must accept applicants from undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, due to the country's commitment to equality and social justice. The school's policy change in 2012 paved the way for eligible students to enroll in medical programs.
A Penn study found that only 15% of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators have thought about device deactivation in terminal illness, while 53% have advanced directives. The study suggests a disconnect between patients' awareness and clinicians' perspectives on ICD deactivation.
A new report by The Hastings Center calls on bioethics to help redress injustices faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The report highlights the need for bioethics to examine its role in shaping laws and medical practices that impact LGBT populations.
The Hastings Center and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues have published a series of essays on bioethics education, highlighting gaps in knowledge and best practices. The papers focus on clinical ethics training for nurses, doctors, and medical students, emphasizing the importance of moral agency, reproduct...
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new position paper emphasizing the importance of educating and protecting athletes from concussion. The statement calls for doctors to safeguard athletes' mental and physical health and recommends wider use of baseline cognitive testing and mandatory concussion reporting.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that failure to monitor progress according to the stated schedule was the most common concern among clinical trial sponsors, followed by failure to obtain the agreement of the principal investigator. Poor record keeping was also a significant issue, with 40% of warnings related to it.
The war on terror is incorporating medicine into warfare, undermining population health and exacerbating global health inequities. Humanitarian and health workers face profound moral distress due to being treated as tools in the war on terror.
A group of experts examines whether people with advanced dementia have the right to use advance directives to stop receiving food and water by mouth, despite lacking decision-making capacity. Key findings include the potential benefits and harms of such directives, as well as proposed guidelines for implementation.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care invites speakers to challenge common assumptions about end-of-life care. Raanan Gillon presents a case for weighing individual patient circumstances over age when deciding on life-prolonging therapies.
A survey of 2,109 medical students found they have a sophisticated understanding of social media's risks and benefits, but struggle with navigating professional ethics. Medical schools are advised to provide guidance on using social media in a professional context.
A new report by IRCM ethics experts highlights the need for increased regulation and oversight of neurostimulation techniques like tDCS. The report found a mismatch between academic and print media articles on tDCS, with most media coverage focusing on potential enhancement uses rather than therapeutic limitations.
The Liverpool Care Pathway's correct use improves end of life care, despite widespread complaints. The pathway recommends morphine to relieve pain and involve relatives in decision-making, contrary to media reports.
A new study examines how community values influence healthcare disaster planning, finding that citizens' life experiences shape their perspectives on resource allocation. The research uses deliberative democratic methods to gather diverse feedback from Maryland residents, with plans for a state-wide expansion.