Journal of medical ethics
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Journal of medical ethics · Jun 2014
Review Meta AnalysisSystematic review and metasummary of attitudes toward research in emergency medical conditions.
Emergency departments are challenging research settings, where truly informed consent can be difficult to obtain. A deeper understanding of emergency medical patients' opinions about research is needed. We conducted a systematic review and meta-summary of quantitative and qualitative studies on which values, attitudes, or beliefs of emergent medical research participants influence research participation. ⋯ Many studies noted limitations of informed consent processes in emergent conditions. We conclude that highlighting the benefits to the participant and society, mitigating risk and increasing public trust may increase research participation in emergency medical research. New methods for conducting informed consent in such studies are needed.
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Journal of medical ethics · Jun 2014
Perception of illegal practice of medicine by Brazilian medical students.
Illegal practice of medicine by medical students is a worldwide problem. In Brazil, information about this issue is scarce. ⋯ Illegal practice of medicine was commonly reported by the medical students questioned. The high frequency of reported illegal practice for financial reasons highlights the need for greater availability of paid internships for medical students. Educational institutions represent the social control responsible for supervising the activities of academics.
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Journal of medical ethics · May 2014
Comparative StudyPhysicians' practices when frustrating patients' needs: a comparative study of restrictiveness in offering abortion and sedation therapy.
In this paper it is argued that physicians' restrictive attitudes in offering abortions during 1946-1965 in Sweden were due to their private values. The values, however, were rarely presented openly. Instead physicians' values influenced their assessment of the facts presented--that is, the women's' trustworthiness. ⋯ This is a vulnerable and weak group, unable to lodge complaints after the treatment. In order to respect patients' autonomy, even suffering patients at the end of their lives, it is suggested that physicians should openly declare their values when it comes to providing treatments that might shorten life. Such transparency might facilitate more genuine shared decision-making and accordingly less suboptimal end-of-life care.
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Last year in June, British doctors went on strike for the first time since 1975. Amidst a global economic downturn and with many health systems struggling with reduced finances, around the world the issue of public health workers going on strike is a very real one. ⋯ The General Medical Council, in its key guidance document for practising doctors, Good Medical Practice, claims that 'Good doctors make the care of their patients their first concern'. Is this true? And if so, how is this relevant to the issue of striking? One year on since the events, we carefully reflect and argue whether it was right for doctors to pursue strike action, and call for greater discussion of ethical issues such as the recent strikes, particularly among younger members of the profession.
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Journal of medical ethics · Apr 2014
Multicenter StudyFY1 doctors' ethicolegal challenges in their first year of clinical practice: an interview study.
There is little evidence of junior trainee perspectives in the design and implementation of medical ethics and law (MEL) curriculum in UK medical schools. ⋯ The data provide a snapshot of the real challenges faced by MEL FY1 doctors in early clinical practice: they may feel ill-prepared and sometimes unsupported by senior members of the team. The key themes suggest areas for development of undergraduate and postgraduate MEL curricula. We will work to develop our own curriculum accordingly. We intend to further investigate the applicability of our findings to UK medical ethics and law curriculum.