Medical Ethics Advisor – September 1, 2014
September 1, 2014
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Patients’ wishes for end-of-life care ignored 60% of the time: Here are some reasons why
Critically ill patients known wishes not to be resuscitated or placed on life support were ignored 60% of the time, according to a 2014 study mainly because of efforts by patients families to countermand their known wishes, and inability to locate documentation of patients wishes. -
Unethical practices uncovered in direct-to-consumer genetic testing
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing presents multiple ethical concerns, including individuals being given misleading or inaccurate information. In July 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced coming draft guidelines for the regulation of laboratory developed tests. -
Preclinical detection of brain disorders presents multiple challenges
Technology allows for preclinical detection of some brain disorders or conditions, but such testing also presents numerous ethical concerns. -
75% of nephrologists surveyed agree with donor health insurance
A minority of nephrologists favor rewards for organ donation, many agree with some compensation, and a considerable majority favor donor health insurance, according to a recent survey. -
Advance directives and health care proxies: Equally effective in influencing doctors’ decisions
Advance directives and proxy opinions are equally effective in influencing doctors decisions, but having both has the strongest effect, says a 2014 study. -
Informed consent and STEMI research participants controversy
A delayed consent approach to informed consent used by researchers in a recent study comparing outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI) resulted in ethical concerns being voiced.