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For patients with severe heart failure, an implanted mechanical pump known as a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) can be a life-sustaining treatment. Even though the technology involves risks, few patients and their families tend to talk explicitly about the "what ifs" before surgery takes place.
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In response to concerns raised about review boards' evaluation of genetic research, a group of investigators, ethicists, and other stakeholders has surveyed genetic researchers and review board professionals to discern what issues are complicating review.
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A team of University of Iowa (UI) researchers conducted a study to determine people's preferences with respect to informed consent for biobanking. Forty-one percent of people surveyed and 54% of those in focus groups were in favor of the broad approach to providing consent.
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A study, The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), that appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine found that if a baby suffering from spina bifida is operated on while still in the uterus, the most common and serious complication, myelomeningocele (MMC), can be greatly reduced.
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The moral struggles and ethical controversies encountered in physician practices all over America can be considered insurmountable at times. A recent study published in Psychiatric Times focused on a range of ethical dilemmas encountered in daily practice.
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Research institutions that make it a goal to improve ethical conduct among staff, researchers, and students engaged in research should focus on providing better ethics education, developing sound policies & procedures, and leading by example, an expert says.
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According to a recent study in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA),1 a simple blood test can determine a baby's sex as early as seven weeks into pregnancy is highly accurate if used correctly.
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The perceived role of God in illness and recovery is a primary influence upon the healthcare beliefs and behaviors of American Muslims, a recent study has discovered. Outreach and education efforts by the healthcare community can help address Muslim concerns and improve healthcare quality in this rapidly growing population, the report recommends.
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Planning for disaster response generally has overlooked the special needs of people who suffer from pre-existing and serious mental conditions, say bioethicists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Survivors already diagnosed with schizophrenia, dementia, addictions, and bipolar disorder are vulnerable long before a disaster strikes, they point out.
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When you have blood taken for a test or have tissue removed for a biopsy, it might be used for medical research. While there are clear benefits to such research, medical and healthcare professionals need to be aware of cultural and confidentiality concerns on the part of patients.
