Medical Ethics
RSSArticles
-
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.
-
People with Mental Illness Often Excluded from Clinical Trials
If a medication for major depression has a dangerous adverse interaction with a different medication that’s being studied in a clinical trial, will it be discovered by researchers and reported in the literature? Not likely, if no one enrolled in the study has major depression.
-
Research on Brain Scan Risk of Alzheimer’s an Ethical Challenge
While different than genetic signs for dementia, biomarker information found in research brain scans also can suggest heightened risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, and thus the disclosure or withholding of results raises ethical questions for IRBs and investigators.
-
Clinical Trial Addresses the Tricky Process of Revealing Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s
Genetic research that could prevent or treat Alzheimer’s are under study. The caveat is that the human subjects recruited into trials must be willing to know if they carry the DNA markers that may predispose them to subsequent dementia.
-
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?