HPV Primary and Co-testing: An Ethical Analysis Exploring the Role of Cytology in Cervical Cancer Screening and Management.

With the advancement in our understanding of the causative agents involved with cancer, there has been a considerable amount of debate within the laboratory and cytology community regarding how best to screen for cervical cancer. This paper attempts to review the three different approaches to cervical cancer screening through the lens of the four facie prima principles of biomedical ethics, including the respect for autonomy, principle of beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Analyzing the debate on cervical cancer screening platforms through the lens of the four principles of biomedical ethics ensures a comprehensive examination of all facets of the discussion, including a review of not only benefits and harm but also ensures that the final policy is fair and respectful for all the stakeholders. The conclusion from the analysis favors the use of co-testing but also supports making HPV primary and Pap testing viable options, depending on the needs of the community, patients, and providers.

Competência moral e formação médica na contemporaneidade: estudo brasileiro / Moral competence and medical education in contemporary times: a Brazilian study / Competencia moral y educación médica en la contemporaneidad: un estudio brasileño

Resumo A fim de avaliar a competência moral de estudantes de medicina, este artigo compara diferentes momentos do curso, identificando aspectos sociodemográficos e acadêmicos relacionados a essa competência e discutindo a ferramenta de avaliação. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo observacional transversal, com aplicação da versão estendida do Teste de Competência Moral, de Lind, e questionário sociodemográfico-acadêmico. Identificaram-se escores médios baixos nos períodos avaliados - com média do primeiro período superior aos demais - e comportamento destoante do "dilema do médico" em relação aos demais, independentemente do período. Detectaram-se escores de competência moral baixos em todos os períodos avaliados, com declínio ou estagnação no decorrer do curso e "fenômeno de segmentação" do teste, e não se identificou correlação relevante das variáveis sociodemográficas e acadêmicas. Por fim constatou-se que escores dos períodos iniciais inferiores aos descritos na literatura prévia podem sugerir tendência geracional.

Abstract To evaluate the moral competence of medical students, this article compares different moments of medical training, identifying sociodemographic and academic aspects related to this competence, then discussing the evaluation tool. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and observational study, with application of the extended version of Lind's Moral Competence Test and a socio-demographic and academic questionnaire. Low mean scores were identified in the periods evaluated—the first period's mean was higher than the others—and behavior that deviates from the "physician's dilemma" in relation to the others, regardless of the period. Low moral competency scores were detected in all periods evaluated, with decline or stagnation over the course and "segmentation phenomenon" of the test. No relevant correlation of sociodemographic and academic variables was identified. Finally, this study found scores for the initial periods lower than those described in the literature, suggesting a generational trend.

Resumen Este artículo evalúa la competencia moral de estudiantes de medicina desde comparaciones de diferentes momentos del curso, identificando los aspectos sociodemográficos y académicos y discutiendo el instrumento de evaluación. Este estudio es cuantitativo observacional, transversal, que aplicó la versión extendida de la Prueba de Competencia Moral, de Lind, y el cuestionario sociodemográfico y académico. Se identificaron las puntuaciones medias bajas en los períodos evaluados -un promedio del primer período superior a los demás- y los comportamientos que diferían del "dilema del médico" con relación a los demás, independientemente del período. Resultaron bajas las puntuaciones de la competencia moral en todos los períodos evaluados, con descenso o estancamiento durante el curso y un "fenómeno de segmentación" de la prueba, además, no hubo correlación significativa entre las variables sociodemográficas y académicas. Las puntuaciones de los períodos iniciales fueron más bajas a las descritas en la literatura, lo que supone una tendencia generacional.

Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Propensity Score, Cost Effectiveness and Computational Ethical Analysis of Cardiac Arrest and Active Cancer with Novel Mortality Predictive Score.

Background and objectives: Little is known about outcome improvements and disparities in cardiac arrest and active cancer. We performed the first known AI and propensity score (PS)-augmented clinical, cost-effectiveness, and computational ethical analysis of cardio-oncology cardiac arrests including left heart catheterization (LHC)-related mortality reduction and related disparities. Materials and methods: A nationally representative cohort analysis was performed for mortality and cost by active cancer using the largest United States all-payer inpatient dataset, the National Inpatient Sample, from 2016 to 2018, using deep learning and machine learning augmented propensity score-adjusted (ML-PS) multivariable regression which informed cost-effectiveness and ethical analyses. The Cardiac Arrest Cardio-Oncology Score (CACOS) was then created for the above population and validated. The results informed the computational ethical analysis to determine ethical and related policy recommendations. Results: Of the 101,521,656 hospitalizations, 6,656,883 (6.56%) suffered cardiac arrest of whom 61,300 (0.92%) had active cancer. Patients with versus without active cancer were significantly less likely to receive an inpatient LHC (7.42% versus 20.79%, p < 0.001). In ML-PS regression in active cancer, post-arrest LHC significantly reduced mortality (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.14−0.24, p < 0.001) which PS matching confirmed by up to 42.87% (95%CI 35.56−50.18, p < 0.001). The CACOS model included the predictors of no inpatient LHC, PEA initial rhythm, metastatic malignancy, and high-risk malignancy (leukemia, pancreas, liver, biliary, and lung). Cost-benefit analysis indicated 292 racial minorities and $2.16 billion could be saved annually by reducing racial disparities in LHC. Ethical analysis indicated the convergent consensus across diverse belief systems that such disparities should be eliminated to optimize just and equitable outcomes. Conclusions: This AI-guided empirical and ethical analysis provides a novel demonstration of LHC mortality reductions in cardio-oncology cardiac arrest and related disparities, along with an innovative predictive model that can be integrated within the digital ecosystem of modern healthcare systems to improve equitable clinical and public health outcomes.

Routine informed consent for mismatch repair testing in endometrial cancers: Review and ethical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review available data regarding consent for tumor testing for mismatch repair (MMR), and to make recommendation for ethical best practices based on synthesis of contemporary data and ethical principles. METHODS: PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched through September 2021; articles reporting on consent for MMR tumor testing for patients at risk for Lynch Syndrome were abstracted. Additional articles were identified through review of references. Key data and ethical principles were extracted, summarized, and analyzed in the context of contemporary clinical practice. RESULTS: 16 articles met inclusion criteria for this review, none of which specifically related to MMR testing for endometrial cancers. All but two studies were published prior to the approval of pembrolizumab for treatment of MMR-deficient tumors. Scant available data suggest that routine consent prior to tumor testing is uncommon; however, several decision aids improved patient knowledge and satisfaction prior to deciding whether to proceed with tumor testing. Previous ethical analyses invoke clinical utility, potential germline implications, and logistical factors in making recommendations regarding consent practices. These analyses varied in their final recommendations; however, all had significant deficits in their arguments related to contemporary clinical care for patients with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: Current data are needed to assess the impact of potential consent strategies for tumor testing. Based on available data, and consistent with contemporary ethical best practices, we recommend that planned MMR testing of endometrial cancers be discussed routinely with patients verbally or in surgical consent documents.

Perspectiva del cuidado en la ciberpsicología: reflexiones éticas / Care Approach to Cyberpsychology: Ethical Considerations / Perspectiva do cuidado em ciberpsicologia: reflexões éticas

Introducción. El despliegue de nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación lleva a plantear la ciberpsicología como la integración de los medios digitales a la vida y las relaciones humanas, así como la inmersión tecnológica en la práctica profesional; esto implica retos en la comprensión de los cambios que ha producido la tecnología en el desarrollo individual y social. El objetivo del presente artículo fue plantear una reflexión sobre los aspectos éticos en la ciberpsicología y las implicaciones prácticas, a la luz de una perspectiva del cuidado que integra el principio del bienestar en un entorno virtual. Temas de reflexión. En primer lugar, se analizan las principales normativas en el marco de los principios éticos y bioéticos, con énfasis en el contexto colombiano. En segundo lugar, se reflexiona sobre la perspectiva del cuidado y algunas consideraciones en los medios digitales. Finalmente, se revisan algunas implicaciones prácticas de la ciberpsicología. Conclusiones. La perspectiva del cuidado y su aplicación en la ciberpsicología es uno de los anclajes éticos orientados a la promoción de relaciones basadas en el bienestar. Las discusiones éticas desde la perspectiva del cuidado en medios digitales integra la competencia técnico-profesional a la competencia ética. Esto implica un constante análisis de la apropiación de las tecnologías como espacio de encuentro y también como parte del compromiso con el cuidado propio y de los usuarios

Introduction. The spread of new information and communication technologies results in cyberpsychology being proposed as the integration of new digital media into human relationships and life, also, as technological immersion in professional practices. This implies challenges in understanding the changes that technology has produced in individual and social development. The objective of this article was to propose a reflection on the ethical aspects of cyberpsychology and its practical implications, according to a care approach which integrates the wellbeing principle in a virtual environment. Topics of reflection. Firstly, the main regulations for cyberpsychology are analyzed in the framework of the ethical and bioethical principles, with emphasis on the Colombian context. Secondly, we reflect on the care approach and some considerations for digital media. Finally, some practical implications of cyberpsychology are reviewed. Conclusions. The care approach and its application to cyberpsychology is one of the ethical anchors aimed at the promotion of wellbeing-based relationships. Ethical discussions from the care approach to digital media integrate technical-professional competency with ethical competency. This implies a constant analysis of the appropriation of technologies as a meeting space and as part of the commitment to self and user care.

Introdução. A implantação de novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação leva a postular a ciberpsicologia como a integração das mídias digitais na vida e nas relações humanas, bem como a imersão tecnológica na prática profissional. Isso implica desafios na compreensão das mudanças que a tecnología tem produzido no desenvolvimento individual e social. O objetivo deste artigo foi propor uma reflexão sobre os aspectos éticos na ciberpsicologia e as implicações práticas, à luz de uma perspectiva assistencial que integre o princípio do bem-estar no ambiente virtual. Tópicos de reflexão. Em primeiro lugar, analisamse as principais regulamentações no marco dos princípios éticos e bioéticos, com ênfase no contexto colombiano. Em segundo lugar, reflete-se sobre a perspectiva do cuidado e algumas considerações nos meios digitais. Finalmente, são revisadas algumas implicações práticas da ciberpsicologia. Conclusões. A perspectiva do cuidado e sua aplicação na ciberpsicologia é uma das âncoras éticas voltadas à promoção de relações baseadas no bem-estar. As discussões éticas na perspectiva do cuidado em mídia digital integram competência técnico-profissional com a competência ética. Isso implica uma análise constante da apropriação das tecnologias como espaço de encontro, assim como parte do compromisso com o autocuidado e dos usuários

Screening is not always healthy: an ethical analysis of health screening packages in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Health screening is undertaken to identify individuals who are deemed at higher risk of disease for further diagnostic testing so that they may possibly benefit from interventions to modify the natural course of disease. In Singapore, screening tests are widely available in the form of a package, which bundles multiple tests in one session and commonly includes non-recommended tests. There are various ethical issues associated with such testing as they may not be clinically appropriate and can result in more harm than benefit. This article describes the practice of health screening packages, identifies the ethical issues arising from such packages and discusses the implications of these ethical issues on policy and practice of screening in Singapore. METHODS: A content analysis of the websites of providers offering general health screening packages to individuals was conducted. A total of 14 health screening package providers were analysed for how packages were conducted and promoted, how clinically appropriate screening tests were, and the price range and composition of screening packages. A normative ethical analysis based on the four principles approach of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice in biomedical ethics was used. RESULTS: Twelve of the 14 providers included non-recommended tests such as tumour markers, treadmill stress tests and MRI scans in their general health screening packages. Package prices ranged from S$26 to S$10,561, with providers charging higher when more tests were included. Health screening packages were broadly conducted in three stages: (1) the offer and selection of a health screening package; (2) medical assessment and performance of screening tests; (3) a post-screening review. While material provided by all providers was factual, there was no information on the potential risks or harms of screening. CONCLUSION: Several ethical issues were identified that should be addressed with regard to health screening packages in Singapore. A key issue was the information gap between providers and patients, which may result in patients undergoing inappropriate testing that may be more harmful than beneficial. Health screening packages can stimulate unnecessary demand for healthcare and contribute to an inequitable distribution of healthcare resources.

Risks and benefits of dermatological machine learning health care applications-an overview and ethical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Visual data are particularly amenable for machine learning techniques. With clinical photography established for skin surveillance and documentation purposes as well as progress checks, dermatology is an ideal field for the development and application of emerging machine learning health care applications (ML-HCAs). To date, several ML-HCAs have detected malignant skin lesions on par with experts or found overlooked visual patterns that correlate with certain dermatological diseases. However, it is well established that ML-HCAs come with ethical and social implications. OBJECTIVES: Currently, there is a lack of research that establishes model design, training, usage and regulation of such technologies sufficient to ensure ethically and socially responsible development and clinical translation, specifically within the field of dermatology. With this paper, we aim to give an overview of currently discussed ethical issues relating to dermatological ML-HCAs. METHODS: On the basis of a thematic, keyword-based literature search, we performed an ethical analysis against established frameworks of biomedical ethics. We combined our results with current, relevant normative machine learning ethics literature to identify the status quo of the ethics of ML-HCAs in dermatology. We describe the benefits and risks of dermatological ML-HCAs that are currently being developed for clinical purposes. RESULTS: The potential benefits range from better patient outcomes to better knowledge accessibility to decreasing health care disparities, that is, standards of care between different population groups. The risks associated with ML-HCAs range from confidentiality issues to individual patient outcomes as well as the exacerbation of prevalent health care disparities. We discuss the practical implications for all stages of dermatological ML-HCA development. CONCLUSION: We found that ML-HCAs present stakeholder-specific risks for patients, health care professionals and society, which need to be considered separately. The discipline lacks sufficient biomedical ethics research that could standardize the approach to ML-HCA model design, training, use and regulation of such technologies.

Four-Quadrant Approach Squared: Ethical Analysis of Living Donation in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.

SUMMARY: Vascularized composite allotransplantation has become a widely accepted method for reconstruction or restoration of body parts, and the various ethical dilemmas that accompany vascularized composite allotransplantation have been widely discussed. As advancements in immunosuppression and tolerance continue to be made, the concept of living donor vascularized composite allotransplantation will likely become a popular option of the "reconstructive elevator." In this article, the authors discuss the various ethical implications of living donor vascularized composite allotransplantation.

Trends in non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Mortality in Brazil and its Macroregions / Tendências na Mortalidade por Câncer de Pele não Melanoma no Brasil e suas Macrorregiões / Tendencias de la Mortalidade por Cáncer de Piel no Melanoma em Brasil y sus Macrorregiones

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common among all malignancies. Objective: To describe trends in NMSC mortality rates in Brazil and its macroregions from 2001 to 2018. Method: Adjusted mortality rates stratified by sex were estimated and presented per 100,000 person-years. An autoregressive analysis was implemented to assess temporal trends, annual percent change (APC) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Results: There were 27,550 NMSC deaths in Brazil with higher frequency in males (58.1%) and among individuals aged ≥70 years (64.3%). The overall rates were 2.25 (males) and 1.22 (females) per 100,000 person-years. The trends followed an upward direction in Brazil for males (APC: 2.91%; 95% CI: 1.96%; 3.86%) and females (APC: 3.51%; 95% CI: 2.68%; 4.34%). The same occurred in the North Region, in males (APC: 9.75%; 95% CI: 7.68%; 11.86%) and in females (APC: 10.38; 95% CI: 5.77%; 15.21%), as well as in Northeast Region, in males (APC: 9.98%; 95% CI: 5.59%; 14.57%) and in females (APC: 8.34%; 95% CI: 3.29%; 13.64%). Conclusion: NMSC deaths are not rare in Brazil. Upward mortality trends were observed for the whole country and in the North and Northeast regions, which are the closest to the Equator line and also the least developed socioeconomically. A synergism between different types of inequalities and environmental exposure in these macroregions may be promoting an increase in the number of NMSC deaths, a type of cancer which is considered completely preventable

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma (CPNM) é o mais comum entre todas as malignidades. Objetivo: Descrever as tendências da mortalidade por CPNM no Brasil e nas suas Macrorregiões, de 2001 a 2018. Método: As taxas de mortalidade ajustadas por idade e estratificadas por sexo foram apresentadas por 100 mil pessoas-ano. Uma análise autorregressiva foi implementada para avaliar tendências, Mudança Percentual Anual (MPA) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Houve 27.550 óbitos por CPNM no Brasil com maior frequência em homens (58,1%) e entre pessoas de 70 anos e mais (64,3%). As taxas globais foram de 2,25 (homens) e 1,22 (mulheres) por 100 mil pessoas-ano. As tendências seguiram em elevação no Brasil, em homens (MPA: 2,91%; IC95%: 1,96%; 3,86%) e em mulheres (MPA: 3,51%; IC95%: 2,68%; 4,34%). O mesmo ocorreu na Região Norte, em homens (MPA: 9,75%; IC95%: 7,68%; 11,86%) e em mulheres (MPA: 10,38%; IC95%: 5,77%; 15,21%), bem como na Região Nordeste, em homens (MPA: 9,98%; IC95%: 5,59%; 14,57%) e em mulheres (MPA: 8,34%; IC95%: 3,29%; 13,64%). Conclusão: Os óbitos por CPNM não são raridade no Brasil. O país e as Regiões Norte e Nordeste experimentaram taxas com tendência em elevação. Norte e Nordeste são as Regiões mais próximas da Linha do Equador e as menos desenvolvidas socioeconomicamente. Nessas Macrorregiões, um sinergismo entre diferentes tipos de desigualdades e exposições ambientais pode estar promovendo um aumento dos óbitos por esse tipo de câncer considerado totalmente evitável

Introducción: El carcinoma de piel no melanoma (CPNM) es el más común dentre todas las neoplasias malignas. Objetivo: Describir las tendencias de la mortalidad por CPNM en Brasil y sus macrorregiones, de 2001 a 2018. Método: Las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por edad y estratificadas según sexo fueron presentadas por 100.000 personas-año. Se implementó una análisis autoregresiva para evaluar las tendencias, el porcentaje estimado de cambio anual (PECA) y sus intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Hubo 27.550 muertes por CPNM en Brasil con mayor frecuencia en hombres (58,1%) y entre personas de edad ≥70 años (64,3%). Las tasas generales fueron 2,25 (hombres) y 1,22 (mujeres) por 100.000 personas-año. Las tendencias continuaron aumentando en Brasil, en hombres (PECA: 2,91%; IC 95%: 1,96%; 3,86%) y en mujeres (PECA: 3,51%; IC 95%: 2,68%; 4,34%). Lo mismo ocurrió en el Norte, en hombres (PECA: 9,75%; IC 95%: 7,68%; 11,86%) y en mujeres (PECA: 10,38%; IC 95%: 5,77%; 15,21%), así como en el Nordeste, en hombres (PECA: 9,98%; IC 95%: 5,59%; 14,57%) y en mujeres (PECA: 8,34%; IC 95%: 3, 29%; 13,64%). Conclusión: Las muertes por CPNM no son una rareza en Brasil. El país y las regiones Norte y Nordeste experimentaron tasas con tendencia ascendente. Las regiones Norte y Nordeste son las más cercanas al Ecuador y también las menos desarrolladas socioeconómicamente. En estas regiones, una sinergia dentre diferentes tipos de desigualdades y exposiciones ambientales puede estar promoviendo un aumento de las muertes por este tipo de cáncer considerado totalmente prevenible. Palabras clave: neoplasias cutáneas/mortalidad

Análise ética dos impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde de crianças e adolescentes / An ethical analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of children and adolescents / Análisis ético acerca dos impactos de la pandemia COVID-19 en la salud de niños y adolescentes

A pandemia de COVID-19 trouxe impactos significativos para a vida de crianças e adolescentes em todo o mundo. Considerando esse contexto, o objetivo deste artigo foi examinar como as crianças e os adolescentes no Brasil foram impactados pela pandemia à luz de uma análise ética. Para tanto, uma análise interpretativa de estudos brasileiros sobre a saúde da criança e do adolescente durante a pandemia foi realizada. A tarefa de reconhecer essa dimensão ética é importante para entender como as respostas a situações de crise, tais como a presente situação da pandemia de COVID-19, podem ser moldadas e identificar quais as prioridades de ação de acordo com todas as partes interessadas, situando a criança entre essas partes de interesse. A análise demonstrou que tanto os efeitos diretos quanto os indiretos implicam em processos de tomada de decisão que precisam utilizar e sustentar o direito de participação da criança para que a ação tomada esteja o máximo possível focada nos melhores interesses da criança. Contudo, a realidade brasileira tem demonstrado uma exclusão estrutural das vozes infantis. Recomenda-se que mais estudos sejam conduzidos a fim de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os melhores interesses das crianças e sua participação nas ações tomadas durante a pandemia

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of children and adolescents around the world. This article aims to examine how the pandemic has impacted children and adolescents in Brazil using an ethical analysis. An interpretive analysis of Brazilian studies on child and adolescent health during the pandemic was conducted. The task of recognizing this ethical dimension is important to understand how responses to crisis situations, such as the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be shaped and where are the priorities for action according to all stakeholders, situating the child between these parts of interest. Our analysis highlighted both direct and indirect effects surrounding the decision-making processes for children in the COVID-19 pandemic reality. These decisional processes must sustain the child's right to participation to ascertain that the action taken is in the child's best interests. However, Brazilian reality has shown a structural exclusion of children's voices in decisions that affect them, particularly related to the effects of the pandemics in their lives. More studies must be conducted to deepen the knowledge about children's best interests and their participation in actions planning during the pandemic

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha afectado las vidas de niños y adolescentes de todo el mundo. Este artículo tiene como objetivo examinar cómo la pandemia ha afectado a los niños y adolescentes en Brasil mediante un análisis ético. Se realizó un análisis interpretativo de los estudios brasileños sobre salud del niño y del adolescente durante la pandemia. La tarea de reconocer esta dimensión ética es importante para entender cómo las respuestas a situaciones de crisis, como la situación actual de la pandemia COVID-19, pueden configurarse y dónde están las prioridades de acción según todos los actores, situando al niño entre estas partes. de interés. Estos procesos de decisión deben sustentar el derecho del niño a la participación para asegurarse de que las medidas tomadas respondan al interés superior del niño. Sin embargo, la realidad brasileña ha mostrado una exclusión estructural de las voces de los niños en las decisiones que los afectan, particularmente en relación con los efectos de las pandemias en sus vidas. Se deben realizar más estudios para profundizar el conocimiento sobre el interés superior de los niños y su participación en la planificación de acciones durante la pandemia

Meeting at the crossroads of pain and addiction: An ethical analysis of pain management with palliative care for individuals with substance use disorders.

A growing number of individuals live with an opioid use disorder (OUD). While many go on to recover from such disorders, certainly, there will be individuals in palliative care (PC) at some point who still suffer with OUD. One of the major barriers to PC for individuals recovering and currently suffering from an OUD is the stigma related to having an OUD. Therefore, in the context of PC, it is important to understand the relationship that exists between PC, OUDs, and how stereo-types related to substance use disorders affect patient engagement in PC. For this paper, the focus will be on how stereotypes affect pain management in PC for persons with an OUD. A review of current literature regarding OUDs and pain management indicates a need for care specific to the needs of those in PC who formerly and/or currently suffer from an OUD in order to avoid relapse or worsening of their affliction while still managing their pain. The striking lack of knowledge and resources regarding OUDs and their treatment indicates a need to strengthen/increase resources for physicians to educate on treating OUDs as well as alternatives for pain management. This article presents dignity-enhancing care as a gateway to fairly treat individuals with an OUD and to get rid of the stigma associated with OUD patients.

Medication of Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany-An Ethical Analysis.

This paper aims to analyze the ethical challenges in experimental drug use during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Germany as a case study. In Germany uniform ethical guidelines were available early on nationwide, which was considered as desirable by other states to reduce uncertainties and convey a message of unity. The purpose of this ethical analysis is to assist the preparation of future guidelines on the use of medicines during public health emergencies. The use of hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and COVID-19 convalescent plasma in clinical settings was analyzed from the perspective of the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We observed that drug safety and drug distribution during the pandemic affects all four ethical principles. We therefore recommend to establish ethical guidelines (i) to discuss experimental treatment options with patients from all population groups who are in urgent need, (ii) to facilitate the recording of patient reactions to drugs in off-label use, (iii) to expand inclusion criteria for clinical studies to avoid missing potentially negative effects on excluded groups, and (iv) to maintain sufficient access to repurposed drugs for patients with prior conditions.

Decisão diante de conflitos bioéticos e formação em odontologia / Decision-making in the face of bioethical conflict and training in Dentistry / Decisión frente a conflictos bioéticos y formación en odontología

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é relacionar concepções sobre ética com a capacidade de tomada de decisão de estudantes no estágio inicial do curso de odontologia. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, dividida em duas etapas: na primeira, 62 participantes responderam a um formulário on-line com duas perguntas sobre concepções de ética; na segunda, 59 deliberaram sobre duas situações de saúde envolvendo conflitos bioéticos. As respostas passaram por análise textual discursiva, por meio da qual se verificou que a maioria dos estudantes compreende a ética como orientação individual nas condutas sociais e profissionais. Essa concepção restrita de ética aparece também nos exercícios de tomada de decisão. Conclui-se que o ensino de bioética deve contemplar o papel de contextos singulares na tomada de decisão, enfatizando o respeito à vida, e não apenas o tratamento de doenças. Tal ensino, inserido de maneira transversal na formação, valoriza o cuidado centrado nas pessoas.

Abstract This study aims to understand the relationship between conceptions of ethics and decision making in situations of bioethical conflict in practices of first-year dentistry students. Holistic case study with a qualitative approach was carried out, in two steps: in the first, 62 participants answered an online form with two questions about conceptions of ethics; in the second, 59 deliberated on two health situations with bioethical conflict. Discursive textual analysis was performed. Results show that students understand ethics as individual guidance in social and profession conduct. In training, students' restricted conceptions of ethics are amplified in the decision-making exercises in the face of bioethical conflicts. The role of singular contexts is an element for the decision-making in learning that includes respect for life and not just the treatment of disease. The topic of bioethics, thus transversalized in the formative process, values people-centered care.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es relacionar concepciones sobre ética con la capacidad de toma de decisiones de estudiantes en la etapa inicial del curso de odontología. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, dividida en dos etapas: en la primera, 62 participantes respondieron a un formulario en línea con dos preguntas sobre concepciones de ética; en la segunda, 59 participantes deliberaron sobre dos situaciones de salud que implican conflictos bioéticos. Las respuestas se sometieron a un análisis textual discursivo, por medio del cual se constató que la mayoría de los estudiantes comprende la ética como una orientación individual en las conductas sociales y profesionales. Esta concepción restringida de la ética aparece también en los ejercicios de toma de decisiones. Se concluye que la enseñanza de la bioética debe contemplar el papel de los contextos singulares en la toma de decisiones, haciendo hincapié en el respeto por la vida, y no solo en el tratamiento de enfermedades. Tal enseñanza, inserida de manera transversal en la formación, valoriza el cuidado centrado en las personas.

Palliative Sedation, Compassionate Extubation, and the Principle of Double Effect: An Ethical Analysis.

Palliative sedation is a well-recognized and commonly used medical practice at the end of life for patients who are experiencing refractory symptoms that cannot be controlled by other means of medical management. Given concerns about potentially hastening death by suppressing patients' respiratory drive, traditionally this medical practice has been considered ethically justifiable via application of the ethical doctrine known as the Principle of Double Effect. And even though most recent evidence suggests that palliative sedation is a safe and effective practice that does not hasten death when the sedative medications are properly titrated, the Principle of Double Effect is still commonly utilized to justify the practice of palliative sedation and any risk-however small-it may entail of hastening the death of patients. One less common clinical scenario where the Principle of Double Effect may still be appropriate ethical justification for palliative sedation is when the practice of palliative sedation is pursued concurrently with the active withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment-particularly the practice of compassionate extubation. This case study then describes an unconventional case of palliative sedation with concurrent compassionate extubation where Principle of Double Effect reasoning was effectively employed to ethically justify continuing to palliatively sedate a patient during compassionate extubation.

Dilemmas of nudging in public health: an ethical analysis of a Danish pamphlet.

Nudging has been discussed in the context of public health, and ethical issues raised by nudging in public health contexts have been highlighted. In this article, we first identify types of nudging approaches and techniques that have been used in screening programmes, and ethical issues that have been associated with nudging: paternalism, limited autonomy and manipulation. We then identify nudging techniques used in a pamphlet developed for the Danish National Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer. These include framing, default nudge, use of hassle bias, authority nudge and priming. The pamphlet and the very offering of a screening programme can in themselves be considered nudges. Whether nudging strategies are ethically problematic depend on whether they are categorized as educative- or non-educative nudges. Educative nudges seek to affect people's choice making by engaging their reflective capabilities. Non-educative nudges work by circumventing people's reflective capabilities. Information materials are, on the face of it, meant to engage citizens' reflective capacities. Recipients are likely to receive information materials with this expectation, and thus not expect to be affected in other ways. Non-educative nudges may therefore be particularly problematic in the context of information on screening, also as participating in screening does not always benefit the individual.

Responsibility for Funding Refractive Correction in Publicly Funded Health Care Systems: An Ethical Analysis.

Allocating on the basis of need is a distinguishing principle in publicly funded health care systems. Resources ought to be directed to patients, or the health program, where the need is considered greatest. In Sweden support of this principle can be found in health care legislation. Today however some domains of what appear to be health care needs are excluded from the responsibilities of the publicly funded health care system. Corrections of eye disorders known as refractive errors is one such domain. In this article the moral legitimacy of this exception is explored. Individuals with refractive errors need spectacles, contact lenses or refractive surgery to do all kinds of thing, including participating in everyday activities, managing certain jobs, and accomplishing various goals in life. The relief of correctable visual impairments fits well into the category of what we typically consider a health care need. The study of refractive errors does belong to the field of medical science, interventions to correct such errors can be performed by medical means, and the skills of registered health care professionals are required when it comes to correcting refractive error. As visual impairments caused by other conditions than refractive errors are treated and funded within the public health care system in Sweden this is an inconsistency that needs to be addressed.

An ethical analysis of obesity as a determinant of pediatric heart transplant candidacy.

BACKGROUND: Inclusion of BMI as criterion in the determination of heart transplant candidacy in children is a clinical and ethical challenge. Childhood obesity is increasing and children with heart disease are not spared. Currently, many adult heart transplant centers consider class II obesity and higher (BMI > 35 kg/m2 ) to be a relative contraindication for transplantation due to risk of poor outcome after transplant. No national guidelines exist regarding consideration of BMI in pediatric heart transplant and outcomes data are limited. This leaves decisions about transplant candidacy in obese pediatric patients to individual institutions or on a case-by-case basis, allowing for bias and inequity. METHODS: We review (a) the prevalence of childhood obesity, including among heart transplant candidates, (b) the lack of existing BMI guidelines, and (c) relevant literature on BMI and pediatric heart transplant outcomes. We discuss the ethical considerations of using obesity as a criterion using the principles of utility, justice, and respect for persons. RESULTS: Existing transplant outcomes data do not show that obese children have different or poor enough outcomes compared to non-obese children to warrant exclusion. Moreover, obesity in the United States is unequally distributed by race and socioeconomic status. Children already suffering from health disparities are therefore doubly penalized if obesity denies them access to life-saving transplant. CONCLUSION: Insufficient data exist to support using any BMI cutoff as an absolute contraindication for heart transplant in children. Attention should be paid to health equity issues when considering excluding a patient for transplant based on obesity.