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1 MIN READ

Code of Medical Ethics: Caring for patients at the end of life

Find out how advance care planning can give patients peace of mind knowing that their physicians understand their wishes for care at the end of life.

Ethics
Patient monitor in a clinical setting
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4 MIN READ

Many ICU talks with family fall short on shared decision-making

26% of physician conversations lack deliberation about the patients’ values, preferences. A physician expert recommends ways to improve.

Physician-Patient Relationship
Physician clasping patient's hands in sympathy
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3 MIN READ

Responding to patients’ bias: Know where to draw the line

There are limits to what physicians should be expected to tolerate when patients’ preferences express unjust bias. This is what physicians should know.

Ethics
Patient receiving an ultrasound
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4 MIN READ

Ruling on Kentucky law undermines patient-physician relationship

U.S. appellate court upholds Kentucky law requiring women to view ultrasound before abortion, contradicts earlier ruling on North Carolina’s similar law.

Physician-Patient Relationship
Physician holding a patient's hand
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4 MIN READ

4 skills from psychiatry that can improve end-of-life care

Helping patients express their values, concerns and preferences is vital in palliative care. Incorporating elements of psychiatric training can help.

Ethics
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4 MIN READ

7 complex words you shouldn’t include on your consent form

A study finds that less than 10% of cancer treatment consent forms meet the National Cancer Institute’s readability recommendation. The forms also commonly include these hard-to-understand words.

Ethics
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3 MIN READ

Using Wikipedia for medical research? What to watch for

Health information on the internet should be guided by the same ethical principles that apply to clinical practice. Physicians are key backstops. 

Ethics
Physician holding a patient's hand
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4 MIN READ

Talking about death: Now that it pays, how to do it well

Advance care planning used to be unbillable, but Medicare now treats it like other services. Here are tips for talking about it with patients.

Ethics
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3 MIN READ

What to do when a friend seeks your medical help

Friends may be inclined to ask you for medical care. Learn why it’s an issue and how you can respond.

Ethics