More Data on Moral Distress: It Harms Nurses, Physicians, Hospitals — and Patients

A group of researchers set out to learn the most effective ways to decrease moral distress in healthcare. In the process, they discovered the toll it was taking was greater than expected.

Data on Hospital Use at End of Life Suggest Less Burdensome Care

ICU use in the last 30 days of life remains high but is not increasing, according to a recent study.

Long-term Opioid Use in Palliative Care: ‘Much Concern and Consternation’

Palliative care providers caring for patients suffering a heavy pain burden are torn between their calling to relieve suffering and the risk of opioid addiction.

‘Can You Get the Patient to Consent?’ Ethics Role Misunderstood

This common scenario stems from a mistaken belief: That the primary role of ethicists is to convince patients, families, or surrogates to follow a recommendation.

Advance Care Planning Video Feasible for Safety-net Settings

Using a video on advance care planning for diverse adults in safety-net, primary care settings is feasible, a recent study concluded.

Students Unable to Identify Ethical Dilemmas

Faculty members in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Portland noticed a concerning pattern: Graduate students were not able to identify ethical dilemmas.

Conflicts on Discharge Decision: Home or Skilled Nursing Facility?

Discharge to a skilled nursing facility is sometimes recommended in order to ensure continued independent community living for frail patients. Conflicting views as to what’s best for the patient sometimes raise ethical concerns.

Code Status Conversations Often Lacking: Ethics ‘Great Resource’

Patients routinely are asked about code status upon admission, yet communication breakdowns too often occur. Expecting ethicists to sort out this important issue with every patient is, of course, unrealistic.

Values-based Advance Care Planning in Outpatient Oncology

A values-based advance care planning paradigm was acceptable to the vast majority of cancer outpatients but may increase distress, found a recent study.