BMC Medical Ethics - Latest articlesThe latest articles from BMC Medical Ethics (ISSN 1472-6939) published by BioMed CentralClinical research without consent in adults in the emergency setting: a review of patient and public views- April 29, 2008 Background: In emergency research, obtaining informed consent can be problematic. Research to develop and improve treatments for patients admitted to hospital with life-threatening and debilitating conditions is much needed yet the issue of research without consent (RWC) raises concerns about unethical practices and the loss of individual autonomy. Consistent with the policy and practice turn towards greater patient and public involvement in health care decisions, in the US, Canada and EU,...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6939/9/9 What is presumed when we presume consent- April 25, 2008 Background: The organ donor shortfall in the UK has prompted calls to introduce legislation to allow for presumed consent: if there is no explicit objection to donation of an organ, consent should be presumed. The current debate has not taken in account accepted meanings of presumption in law and science and the consequences for rights of ownership that would arise should presumed consent become law. In addition, arguments revolve around the rights of the competent autonomous adult but do not...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6939/9/8 Is the qualitative research interview an acceptable medium for research with palliative care patients and carers- April 24, 2008 Background: Contradictory evidence exists about the emotional burden of participating in qualitative research for palliative care patients and carers and this raises questions about whether this type of research is ethically justified in a vulnerable population. This study aimed to investigate palliative care patients' and carers' perceptions of the benefits and problems associated with open interviews and to understand what causes distress and what is helpful about participation in a research..http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6939/9/7 |