Medical Ethics Advisor – March 1, 2015
March 1, 2015
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.