Browse Medical Ethics Advisor Articles by Topic

EHRs Raise Ethical Concerns on Autonomy, Trust

Researcher: "Electronic health records will thoroughly change our ethical understanding of the doctor-patient relationship, and will probably require us to rethink it within this digital framework."

Ethics Consults Center on Conflicts Surrounding ECMO Withdrawal: ‘Dilemma Is When to Stop’

Ethicists are seeing increasing numbers of consults involving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the most aggressive life-sustaining technology available. With ECMO, which is currently offered by about 250 U.S. hospitals, some patients are saved who would otherwise die.

Residents’ Compassionate Behaviors Vary During Informed Consent

The authors of a recent study examined how compassionate 65 anesthesia residents were during a simulated preoperative evaluation of a patient in acute pain scheduled for urgent surgery. They found substantial variability in the compassionate care behaviors of anesthesiology residents during the informed consent procedure.

Data Reveal Knowledge Gaps on Physician-Assisted Suicide

There are physicians who support the legalization of physician-assisted suicide (also known as physician-assisted death or aid-in-dying), but they may have different feelings about actually practicing it themselves. Sixty percent of U.S. physicians believe physician-assisted suicide should be legal, according to the results of a recent study. Yet of that group, only 13% indicated they would be willing to perform the practice if it were legal.

Tips for Device Reps and Clinicians Searching for Ethics Advice

Collaborative relationships help develop new medical technologies, and ensure they are used safely and effectively. A recently updated ethics code clarifies socially responsible conduct related to these interactions.

Ethics Recommendations Span Years for Some Patients

When someone requests an ethics consult, the patient’s social and clinical history is important to know. So is the history of ethicists’ involvement. It is not uncommon for a consult service to be called multiple times over several to assist with a care question that resurfaces.

Ethics Guidance for Surgeons on Humanitarian Missions

Investigators developed curriculum to help surgeons review the core bioethical principles of medicine and surgery as these apply to the humanitarian and global health context.

Payment for Physician Referrals: Difficult for Hospital Leaders to Maintain ‘Clean Hands’

For years, federal laws (and some state laws) have prohibited hospitals from paying physicians for referrals. Yet some hospitals continue unethical and illegal practices, possibly due to a perception of low risk.

Researchers Identify Ethical Concerns With Pragmatic Trials

Research participants reported ethical concerns about how “minimal” risk is determined, when it is appropriate to alter traditional informed consent practices, and how to distinguish between quality improvement and research.

Ethical Response Needed if Surrogate Disregards Patients’ Wishes

The role of surrogate decision-makers is to make decisions consistent with the patient’s previously expressed wishes, written documents, and values. But that is not what usually happens. Lack of communication between the patient and the surrogate and/or between the surrogate and the medical team is the biggest obstacle.