Tag: ethics
Extreme Measures: Finding a Better Path to the End of Life
In our current medical culture, the old and the ill are put on what she terms the End-of-Life Conveyor belt. They are intubated, catheterized, and even shelved away in care facilities to suffer their final days alone, confused,... read more
Should doctors be required to inform patients of their palliative care rights?
I overheard a colleague admit an 84-year-old woman to the hospital from the emergency department for a sizable mass in her uterus — no doubt, cancerous. I pictured a frail woman who’d been suffering for a while and was... read more
Receiving a Letter of Condolence After Loss of a Loved One in the ICU
This study describes the benefits of receiving a letter of condolence; mainly, it humanizes the medical institution (feeling of support, confirmation of the role played by the relative, supplemental information). However,... read more
Outcomes of Ethics Consultations in Adult ICUs
Our review identified outcome-based assessment as the predominant measure used to report effectiveness of clinical ethics consultation consultations. In particular, clinical ethics consultation decreased ICU length of stay... read more
Monitoring ICU Performance-impact of a Novel Individualised Performance Scorecard in Critical Care Medicine
Patients admitted to a critical care medicine (CCM) environment, including an intensive care unit (ICU), are susceptible to harm and significant resource utilisation. Therefore, a strategy to optimise provider performance... read more
Factors Associated with Life-Sustaining Treatment Restriction in the ICU
Few previous studies have investigated associations between clinical variables available after 24 hours in the ICU and decisions to restrict life-sustaining treatment. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated... read more
Ethics in the NICU: Principles, Methods, and Application
Dr. Mark Mercurio gives a basic review of some of the fundamental principles and approaches relevant to decision-making in the NICU. Adequate fellowship training in ethics and professionalism is essential so that neonatologists... read more
Association of Attitudes Regarding Overuse of Inpatient Laboratory Testing With Health Care Provider Type
Routine hospital laboratory testing is common, and unnecessary tests can harm patients. Multiple professional societies have recommended against routine laboratory testing in hospitalized patients. Advanced practice health... read more
Vitamin C and the Ethics of Borrowing data
I was recently amazed to be engaged in a Twitter kerfuffle which generated more than 10,000 Impressions within 24 hours. Passions were running high, libellous comments were being broadcast, and old friendships seemed to be... read more
