Medical Ethics Advisor – January 1, 2023

Controversy Erupts Over Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying

Ethical controversy has erupted over Canada’s expansion of eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying.

Ethical Justification for Research on Dangerous Pathogens

Recent inflammatory headlines suggested researchers had created a more dangerous version of COVID. However, those researchers said the headlines were misleading. Nevertheless, it spotlighted the ethical concerns involving research on pathogens.

Working Collaboratively with Law Enforcement at Trauma Patient’s Bedside

Trauma patients and law enforcement might arrive together, raising multiple ethical issues — and a potential conflict with clinicians. While some clinicians say law enforcement should never be present on trauma units, others think law enforcement needs unfettered access. The answer likely is somewhere in the middle.

Clinicians Are Ethically Obligated to Consider Financial Side of Care

Clinicians should include the cost of care in discussions, help patients access charity care or financial counseling, and screen patients for social determinants of health.

When Researchers Discover Incidental Findings During Clinical Trial

If a study includes genomic testing, it is possible incidental findings will be discovered. As it stands, there is no clear guidance for whether researchers should tell participants about those findings.

Clinicians Often Use Medical Jargon to Refer to Death

During family meetings, ethicists can gently clarify language to ensure everyone understands. Even the best communicators will encounter patients and families who will not or cannot hear the words spoken to them, especially if it is bad news.

What Happens if Your Study Fails to Meet Recruitment Targets?

Failure to find enough clinical trial participants is more than just a logistical problem. There also are important ethical concerns. If the study remains incomplete, investigators risk violating the principle of beneficence.

Tricky Business: When a Surgeon Also Is a Researcher

Consider this seemingly innocent, straightforward question: “Would you be interested in participating in a clinical trial?” Now consider the ethical implications if a surgeon asks his or her own patient the same question.

Tissue Donors Can Track How Researchers Use Samples

Tissue donors never knew who used their samples or how. For the first time, tissue donors are using blockchain technology to track how scientists use their samples through a pilot program.