Medical Ethics Advisor – November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
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Ethical Concerns When Calling Security Is Top Tactic to Handle Agitated Patients
Police officers are not mental healthcare professionals, but often are the ones called to help a person in crisis, even if that person is in the hospital at the time. Instead, police should be teamed with a mental health professional to help de-escalate volatile situations.
When Hospitals Refuse to See Medicaid Patients
Serving the best interests of patients while remaining financially solvent is a high-wire act. Ethicists can help clarify a hospital’s obligations to Medicaid patients, including policies relating to admission criteria, such as for patients with inadequate funding. These policies also can clear up confusion over ethical and legal obligations to Medicaid patients who present with emergencies.
Controversy Surrounds Exception from Informed Consent Enrollment
The term “exception from informed consent” for some clinical trials has been around for decades, but most patients know nothing about it. Researchers set out to explore attitudes about enrolling subjects in studies without consent.
Unexpected Issues Hinder Ethics Committees’ Effectiveness
Conflicts of interests and bloated, unfocused panels can torpedo good intentions.
Family Members Encouraged to Offer More Care for Loved Ones in ICU
Researchers provide guidance to worried family members who may not know how to act in the intimidating ICU setting.
Growing Movement Toward More Family Participation in ICUs
Family satisfaction scores increased after ICUs implemented family-centered care initiatives as part of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Family Engagement Collaborative.
Conflicts Over Decision-Making Frequent in ICUs
Consider psychological, biological, spiritual, and social factors, and the role they play in understanding illness and healthcare delivery. Using this model, clinical ethicists can encourage dialogue between healthcare professionals caring for seriously ill patients.
Where Should Clinicians Draw the Line on ‘Grateful Patient’ Donations?
Healthcare philanthropy is an essential activity, but approaches to encourage donations must be mindful of ethical considerations and public attitudes.
Treatment Withdrawal Policies Could Harm Families
Chaplain: "Your patient is not just the person in the bed. It’s the whole family."
Do Not Intubate Orders Becoming More Common
Rates increased over time, from about one in 10 patients 20 years ago to about one in three patients in the past five years. The exact reasons for this increase remain unclear.