Browse Medical Ethics Articles by Topic

Highly Publicized Research Fraud Erodes Public Trust

There is not much IRBs can do to spot misconduct or fraud in clinical trials. IRBs do not typically review data. However, IRBs should promote compliance with legal and ethical requirements, and deal with suspected noncompliance in a fair, reasonable, and timely fashion.

Ethicists Often Called to Resolve Conflicts Over Aggressive Care

Quality, compassionate communication with families is critical to prevent further escalation of conflict and to preserve trust in the therapeutic relationship.

High-Intensity End-of-Life Care Remains the Default at Hospitals

Ethicists can help by assisting in developing hospital policies and crafting ethics committees in a way that does not pose unnecessary bureaucratic challenges or prevent physicians from acting in the patient’s best interest.

Emergency Physicians Rarely Bill for Advance Care Planning

Clinicians should be aware of the opportunity to provide this important service to patients – while also receiving appropriate compensation.

American Heart Association Explains Importance of Shared Decision-Making

Group suggests engaging in these practices can level the playing field and improve cardiovascular health for all patients.

Multidisciplinary Initiative Leads to More Referrals, Donors, and Transplanted Organs

Staff training and more visible public awareness helped a Georgia hospital make tremendous improvements.

For Some Ethics Programs, ‘Tele-ethics’ Is Routine

Sustainable development of virtual consultation platforms, funding, training of ethics consultants, and visibility of virtual clinical ethics consultation are priorities.

Real-Life Experience Allows Researchers to Obtain Ethical Consent

Research staff may have secured a signed consent form from a study participant, but did they obtain that consent ethically? People considering whether to join a clinical trial may not fully understand the procedures involved, risks and benefits, confidentiality issues, or even that participation is voluntary, depending on how the research is presented.

Community Members Help Train Research Staff

At Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, research staff learn how to provide informed consent by working with community members acting as simulated prospective study participants in role-playing exercises. More than 40 community members, researchers, patients and families, and healthcare providers offer feedback and help develop training.

Was Resident Involved in Surgery? Some Patients Are Not Informed

Further efforts are required to improve communication and education regarding resident involvement in surgery, and address patient concerns and preferences more effectively to protect the physician-patient relationship.