Medical Ethics Advisor – April 1, 2024

Ethicists May Face Cuts in FTEs, Less Protected Ethics Time — and Increased Workload

Some ethics programs are facing the possibility of full-time employees (FTEs) or protected ethics time being decreased.

Ethicists Can Proactively Prepare for AI Systems

There is a lot of speculation on the part of ethicists as to how ChatGPT or other adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) systems that have been or will be developed, could affect their jobs, their role, ethics education, and the overall field of bioethics.

Clinicians Have New Ethical Framework for AI in Pediatrics

As healthcare institutions continue to adapt and incorporate novel AI-driven technologies, it is imperative to include ethicists in deliberations and policy development.

For Surrogate Decision-Makers, Psychological Distress Is Common

Many surrogate decision-makers struggle with making decisions on life-sustaining treatments for a loved one with serious illness.

Unresolved Ethical Questions on Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare

Researchers decided to conduct a literature review on the ethical issues of direct-to-consumer healthcare.

Ethics Curriculum Prepares Students for Code Status Discussions

Future physicians need time to develop authentic communication strategies to address morally and emotionally complex topics.

Not All Clinicians See Value in Ethics Consults

Clinicians’ negative views of the ethics service often are rooted in misunderstanding.

Ethicists Get Consult Requests for Moral Distress

Some ethics consults are requested specifically because a clinician is experiencing moral distress.

Informed Consent Concerns for Study Participants with Neurological Disorders

Despite clear ethical and regulatory mandates to obtain informed consent before research enrollment, multiple barriers exist for prospective participants in neurological research.

Ethical Guidance for Patients with Delirium at End of Life

It is important for clinicians to recognize clinical and ethical challenges when older adults develop delirium at the end of life.

Ethical Concerns with Unmet Needs of Families of Cardiac Arrest Survivors

A need for information is a top priority for families of cardiac arrest survivors, a recent study found.

Patients’ Advance Care Planning Sometimes Is Disregarded

If patients leave the hospital having done advance care planning, many assume future clinicians will know about it regardless of when or where they seek care. However, this does not always happen.