Palliative medicine specialist Laura Shoemaker, DO, believes that it’s key for physicians to begin a difficult conversation by finding out what the patient knows about their condition. “Ask what they’ve been told and what their understanding of that is. Find out what’s most important to them.”
Read MoreDifficult Disclosures in Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncologist Seth Rotz, MD, says that when he has difficult news to share with a patient and their family, “I feel obliged to tell them as soon as it’s safe to tell them.”
The Difficult, Essential Talk About Dementia
Ethical considerations attend decisions about disclosing a likely dementia diagnosis. They begin with patient autonomy – a core value of medicine.
The Cost of ‘Free’: Advising Patients About Sponsored Genetic Testing
Sponsored genetic testing appears to be an attractive option for both patient and clinician, but experts say there are nonfinancial disadvantages that can create ethical challenges. Here’s what to know and how to counsel patients.
New Faculty Fellowship Prepares Nurses to Navigate Moral Challenges
Novel ethics fellowship equips nurses with the skills needed to navigate moral dilemmas in daily clinical practice.
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When a Surrogate Decision-Maker Wants Medically Futile Treatment
Critical care is rife with medical, ethical and legal dilemmas involving end-of-life care. The physician must be acutely aware of the ethical and jurisprudential considerations that should be balanced in navigating these sensitive situations.
Medical, Ethical and Legal Considerations When a Patient Lacks Decision-Making Capacity and Proxy
When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, the care team should attempt to locate someone who can speak to the patient’s wishes and values. What happens when that’s not possible?
Medical, Ethical and Legal Aspects of End-of-Life Dilemmas in the ICU
Addressing end-of-life care dilemmas requires careful analysis, an understanding of basic ethical and legal principles and perspectives and access to reliable consultants.
When the Time Comes: Developing a Complete View of the Risks of Research Studies of Human Germline Genome Editing
There has been little effort to examine the impact on study participants who may be willing to carry a genomically modified human embryo, but this is important population must be apprised of the potential risks and benefits of such research.
New Program Empowers Nurses to Manage Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Settings
Cleveland Clinic nurses have a new source of support for framing ethical challenges that arise as they care for their patients.
Tackling Neuroethical Conundrums (Podcast)
Expanding neurological treatment options bring new ethical conundrums. One of our neuroethicists explores the underlying issues in this Neuro Pathways podcast episode.