Browse Medical Ethics Advisor Articles by Topic

Analysis Looks at the First Open Payments Data

Industry payments to physicians varied widely by specialty during the first half-year of The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Open Payments program, found a recent study.

Teleconsent Boosts Recruitment of Rural Research Participants

One barrier to recruitment of qualified research participants for clinical trials is the cumbersome, time-consuming consent process. Another is the lack of access to participants in remote locations.

Ethics of Gene-altering Research on Human Embryos

Gene editing technology uses an adaptive defense mechanism from bacteria for a novel new purpose: the precise editing of isolated genetic defects in DNA.

Study: Social Media is Affecting Patients’ Access to Investigational Drugs

Patients and families are increasingly turning to social media to facilitate expanded access to unproven drugs, raising many ethical concerns.

Study Uncovers Deep-rooted Stigma About Palliative Care

There is a very strong stigma attached to palliative care — and it can persist even after positive experiences with an early palliative care intervention, found a recent study.

Better Communication with Family in ICU Reduces Intensity of End-of-life Care

Palliative care physicians acting as communication facilitators in the ICU reduced intensity of end-of-life care and length of stay, found a recent study.

570 Clinics Found Marketing Unproven Stem Cell Treatments

Stem cell interventions are offered at 570 clinics, with generally unproven treatments being marketed to consumers, found a recent study.

Cost Savings for Palliative Care in ACOs ‘Astounding,’ Say Researchers

Home-based palliative care within an accountable care organization was associated with significant cost savings, fewer hospitalizations, and increased hospice use in the final months of life, found a recent study.

Ethical Responses if Patient is Offended by a Healthcare Provider’s Tattoos

If a healthcare provider’s visible tattoos offend a patient or family member, does this supersede the clinician’s rights to self-expression?

Ethical Concerns if Cancer Drugs, and Science in General, are Overhyped

Half of the cancer drugs described with superlatives such as “breakthrough,” “groundbreaking” and “game-changer” were not yet approved as safe and effective, found a recent study.