Medical Ethics Advisor
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Ethical Approach to Informed Consent for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
The criteria to demonstrate sufficient capacity to consent should be flexible — and proportional to the complexity and risks of each individual study. Researchers must consider individual differences and be prepared to use a variety of methods.
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The Complicated Ethics of Medical Aid in Dying
Some patients and staff alike do not know what the process is, which can lead to misconceptions. Others might not want to ask about it, while some might object on moral grounds. Researchers are working on better education.
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Some Hospice Medical Aid in Dying Policies Require Staff to Leave Room
Ethicists recommend hospices consider revising policies so nurses can support their patients clinically and emotionally at a critical moment.
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Ethical Concerns if Study Participants Use Electronic Wearables
Study participants should clearly understand who owns the data collected and how they can exercise control over its use. Participants should know privacy will be maintained when researchers share data with third parties or when publishing research findings.
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HHS Removing Barriers for Patients with Limited English Proficiency
Feds aim to improve communication to prevent misdiagnosis, delayed treatment.
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Early Communication Can Establish Goals of Care Boundaries
When clinicians initiate the conversation, there can be a better understanding about the wishes of seriously ill patients.
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Emerging Ethical Issues to Consider When Conducting Community-Engaged Research
Does the community representative possibly have a conflict of interest? How will any monetary incentives to participate in the study be distributed? Is the incentive for individual patients or the whole community?
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Ethical Problems When Using Artificial Intelligence Assistance During Surgery
AI-assisted surgery raises some of the same ethical issues as similar tools in healthcare, such as bias and data privacy. However, some problems are specific to surgery.
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Ethical Considerations When Using Gene-Editing Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
Like any other treatment, it is important patients are aware of limitations, but without crushing their hopes that a cure might be feasible.
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Did Study End Early? There Is an Ethical Obligation to Participants
Research participants consent to take on risk for the benefit of others, not for their own benefit. If a trial ends prematurely, researchers should tell participants. Investigators also must ensure any risks participants accepted are mitigated to the fullest extent possible.