Browse Medical Ethics Articles by Topic

Commission calls for integration of ethics into public health response

A February 2015 report from the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues explores ethical issues involving the Ebola epidemic and public health planning and response.

Survey identifies key ethical dilemmas encountered by nurses

Hospice and palliative care nurses reported inadequate communication, provision of non-beneficial care, and discontinuation of life-prolonging therapies as some of the factors contributing to ethical issues, according to a recent survey.

Non-Hospice Patients Receive More Aggressive End-of-Life Care

Patients who do not enroll in hospice are more likely to receive aggressive cancer care at the end of life, according to a recent study.

ED setting poses unique challenges in palliative care delivery

It is very easy for emergency department (ED) providers to “err on the side of caution” when deciding whether to institute life-sustaining therapies. “But this, in fact, may not be the best course of care,” says Tammie E. Quest, MD, director of Emory Palliative Care Center and associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Use proven strategies when conflicts arise over withdrawing futile treatments

Conflict surrounding withdrawal of futile treatments is one of the most common reasons for ethics consults being called.

Are consultants called the “ethics police?” What’s behind clinicians’ attitudes

At times, providers react negatively to the involvement of ethics; “ethics police” is an often-used derogatory term reflecting this attitude.

Report: Bioethics programs’ reproductive education doesn’t reflect needs of practicing OB/GYNs

Researchers conducted parallel surveys of directors of graduate bioethics training programs and obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in order to learn whether reproductive health education in bioethics programs reflected real-life concerns for practicing physicians.

“Don’t worry about the cost” doesn’t reflect patients’ reality

"Don’t worry about the cost. All that matters is getting you well.” Well-meaning physicians frequently say this, but in fact, patients have good reason for wanting to know what care will cost them.

Ethical controversy erupts over minors’ autonomy

In the controversial “Cassandra C” case, a 17-year old Connecticut girl diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma was ordered by the state Supreme Court to undergo chemotherapy against her will. The girl refused further treatment after undergoing surgery to remove a lymph node, but as of press time is being kept in a hospital room under court order.

Education, follow-up reduce readmissions

A pilot project providing coaching and follow up for heart failure (HF) patients who are readmitted frequently resulted in a 50% drop in the readmission rate at Indiana University (IU) Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN.