Medical Ethics Advisor
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Ethical Oversight of Chimeric Research
A key concern is whether evidence will emerge indicating significant functional changes in the cognition and behavior of nonhuman animals that contain human cells. If so, it may be difficult to resolve ethical issues regarding the moral status of those chimeric animals.
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Informed Consent Is Central Ethical Issue for Studies of Pig Organ Transplants
Existing policies for human research subject protection might not be adequate for these trials, mainly because there are so many unknowns with outcomes in humans.
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IRBs Likely Need Outside Expertise When Reviewing Xenotransplantation Study Protocols
An enthusiastic surgeon who wants to initiate a clinical trial for xenotransplantation may, in their enthusiasm, minimize the potential problems to the IRB. The surgeon might win approval, but the IRB might lack the expertise to know if they are receiving all the facts.
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For Researchers Using Social Media Data, Consent Is Ethical Worry
Researchers struggle with the ethical implications of sharing information that enables Twitter users to be identified. More guidance is needed from IRBs, as there does not seem to be a consensus on best practice in terms of research ethics.
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Study: New Physicians Develop Financial Ties Quickly
Earlier recognition and intervention during graduate medical education to improve professionalism and systems-based practice skills may limit future conflicts of interest with industry.
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Controversy Erupts Over Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying
Ethical controversy has erupted over Canada’s expansion of eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying.
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Ethical Justification for Research on Dangerous Pathogens
Recent inflammatory headlines suggested researchers had created a more dangerous version of COVID. However, those researchers said the headlines were misleading. Nevertheless, it spotlighted the ethical concerns involving research on pathogens.
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Clinicians Are Ethically Obligated to Consider Financial Side of Care
Clinicians should include the cost of care in discussions, help patients access charity care or financial counseling, and screen patients for social determinants of health.
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When Researchers Discover Incidental Findings During Clinical Trial
If a study includes genomic testing, it is possible incidental findings will be discovered. As it stands, there is no clear guidance for whether researchers should tell participants about those findings.
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Clinicians Often Use Medical Jargon to Refer to Death
During family meetings, ethicists can gently clarify language to ensure everyone understands. Even the best communicators will encounter patients and families who will not or cannot hear the words spoken to them, especially if it is bad news.