By 2025 "chronic diseases will account for 70 percent of the global disease burden"

Innovative treatments for diseases that commonly affect older people

With the generation of older people growing at a faster rate than the total population in almost all regions of the world, the UNFPA underscored the importance of implementing the right policies to address the social and economic challenges that population aging poses.

“The world’s population will become bigger, older and, unfortunately, sicker. By 2025 the global population will increase by one billion, with an additional more than 500 million people aged 50 years and older. By that time, chronic diseases will account for 70 percent of the global disease burden,” warned Joseph Jimenez, CEO of research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis.

“To meet the health demands of an aging population, global healthcare spending is expected to double from US$7.5 trillion in 2013 to US$15.6 trillion in 2025,” Jimenez said.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/180879/innovative-treatments-for-diseases-that-commonly-affect-older-people#ixzz3Hd0C5l9l
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Honeywell facing lawsuit over health tests

Honeywell facing lawsuit over health tests

CBS Minnesota, October 30, 2014

"Two Minnesota employees have filed complaints against Honeywell for its wellness program, and the federal government is suing to stop it. Court documents filed this month say that Honeywell, as part of its 2015 health benefit plan, requires employees and their spouses to take blood and medical tests that check for smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and other problems. The employees were told about the new procedures in August, and they have until Nov. 14 to undergo testing. If employees opt out of the tests, according to the documents, they can lose up to $1,500 in Health Savings Account contributions, as well as face a $500 charge to their medical plan, or a $1,000 tobacco surcharge."

"What's going on is the systematic governmental destruction of the presumption of liberty in the name of public safety."

How Modern Government Is Destroying the Presumption of Liberty Our Founders Cherished

Much of the political class of the founding generation, unlike our own, viewed the Constitution as restraining, not unleashing, the government.

Andrew Napolitano | October 30, 2014

"What's going on is the systematic governmental destruction of the presumption of liberty in the name of public safety. Politicians who want to appear bold and strong often ride a popular wave and ignore the rights of their targets. And those responsible for public safety—all of whom have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution—have forgotten that chief among their duties is the safekeeping of our freedoms.

Would it be easier for the government to keep us safe from money laundering and Ebola if it could disregard the Constitution and trample personal freedoms? Yes, it would. But who would want to live in such a society? If the government can reverse the presumption of liberty over appearances, what is the value of constitutional guarantees? Whose freedom in America is safe today?"

Ebola Tzar: "Since starting Oct. 22, Klain has been seen only once..."

Ebola czar in Atlanta on Thursday

Since starting Oct. 22, Klain has been seen only once, in a photo op on his first day, leaving health officials from the CDC andNational Institutes of Health — and Obama himself — to be the public "face" of the response, Business Insider reported Oct. 29.

BI noted, "It's not often that a White House official gets mocked on both 'Saturday Night Live' and a major daily newspaper before he makes his first public appearance. But Ron Klain's low-profile first week as President Barack Obama's behind-the-scenes Ebola "czar" has become another attack point for a White House struggling to show it's on top of the crisis."

Typhoid Mary or overkill? Should returning medics and troops be quarantined?

Ebola: should returning medics and troops be quarantined?

Hickox points out that even if she was infected, she would not be contagious until she started displaying symptoms. She insists that the policy of quarantining health care workers returning from Ebola stricken countries is neither "scientifically nor constitutionally just", and a violation of her civil rights. Now she is threatening to take action.

"If the restrictions placed on me by the state of Maine are not lifted by Thursday morning, I will go to court to fight for my freedom," she told Reuters.

In another interview with the BBC, she said: "I am not going to sit around and be bullied around by politicians and be forced to stay in my home when I am not a risk to the American public."

Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/ebola/57952/ebola-new-york-confirms-first-case-of-the-virus#ixzz3HcvkcI5d

Death Stud. 2014 Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Attitudes of Belgian Students of Medicine, Philosophy, and Law Towards Euthanasia and the Conditions for Its Acceptance.

Roelands M1, Van den Block L, Geurts S, Deliens L, Cohen J.

Author information

• 1a End-of-Life Care Research Group , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University , Brussels , Belgium.

Abstract

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium if due care criteria are met, which is judged by committees including physicians, ethicists and jurists. We examined whether students in these disciplines differ in how they judge euthanasia as an acceptable act. A cross-sectional, anonymous e-mail survey revealed that they have similar attitudes and accept its legalization. Therefore, joint decision-making of physicians, ethicists and lawyers regarding euthanasia seems to have a common attitudinal base in Belgium. However, they differ to some extent regarding the conditions they put forward for euthanasia being acceptable. Philosophy of life (religion) was an independent predictor of these attitudes.

"Whose interests should count and how should various interests be balanced at the pediatric patient's bedside?"

Pediatrics. 2014 Oct;134 Suppl 2:S78-80. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1394B.

Whose interests count?

Brudney D1, Lantos JD2.

Author information

• 1Department of Philosophy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and.
• 2University of Missouri-Kansas City, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri jlantos@cmh.edu.

Abstract

Whose interests should count and how should various interests be balanced at the pediatric patient's bedside? The interests of the child patient clearly count. Recently, however, many authors have argued that the family's interests also count. But how should we think about the interests of others? What does it mean to talk about "the family" in this context? Does it really just mean the interests of each individual family member? Or is the family itself a moral entity that has interests of its own independent of the interests of each of its members? Are such interests important only as they affect the patient's interest or also for their own sake? In this special supplement to Pediatrics, a group of pediatricians, philosophers, and lawyers grapple with these questions. They examine these issues from different angles and reach different conclusions. Jointly, they demonstrate the ethical importance and, above all, the ethical complexity of the family's role at the bedside.

Where's Obama's Ebola Tzar?

Where's Obama's Ebola Czar?

Can Fam Physician. 2014 Oct;60(10):895-897.

Break the fast? Update on patient preparation for cholesterol testing.

Naugler C1, Sidhu D2.

Author information

• 1Family physician, a general pathologist, and Division Head of General Pathology at the University of Calgary in Alberta. christopher.naugler@cls.ab.ca.
• 2Lawyer and senior resident in the General Pathology residency training program at the University of Calgary.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To provide an update on the clinical usefulness of nonfasting versus fasting lipid testing to improve patient compliance, patient safety, and clinical assessment in cholesterol testing.

QUALITY OF EVIDENCE:

Recommendations are identified as supported by good, fair, and poor (conflicting or insufficient) evidence, according to the classifications adopted by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

MAIN MESSAGE:

Screening for dyslipidemia as a risk factor for coronary artery disease and management of lipid-lowering medications are key parts of primary care. Recent evidence has questioned the fasting requirement for lipid testing. In population-based studies, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol all varied by an average of 2% with fasting status. For routine screening, nonfasting cholesterol measurement is now a reasonable alternative to a fasting cholesterol measurement. For patients with diabetes, the fasting requirement might be an important safety issue because of problems with hypoglycemia. For the monitoring of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients taking lipid-lowering medications, fasting becomes more important.

CONCLUSION:

Fasting for routine lipid level determinations is largely unnecessary and unlikely to affect patient clinical risk stratification, while nonfasting measurement might improve patient compliance and safety.

J Appl Soc Psychol. 2013 Sep;43(9):1838-1850.

What to wear? The influence of attire on the perceived professionalism of dentists and lawyers.

Furnham A, Chan PS, Wilson E.

Author information

• University College London.

Abstract

Using a sample of 201 participants and a between-subjects design, the perceived professionalism-suitability, capability, ease to talk to and friendliness-of male and female dentists and lawyers in various attires was examined. Results showed an absolute preference for male dentists andlawyers in professional and formal attire, respectively. Male dentists and lawyers in professional and formal attire were further rated as more suitable, capable, easier to talk to, and friendlier than female professionals, and than those dressed in smart or casual attire. Results are discussed in terms of positive dental outcomes and legal representation. Limitations are considered.

Adv Hematol. 2014;2014:704318. doi: 10.1155/2014/704318. Epub 2014 Oct 1.

Ethical and clinical aspects of intensive care unit admission in patients with hematological malignancies: guidelines of the ethics commission of the French society of hematology.

Malak S1, Sotto JJ2, Ceccaldi J3, Colombat P4, Casassus P5, Jaulmes D6, Rochant H7, Cheminant M8, Beaussant Y9, Zittoun R10, Bordessoule D11.

Author information

• 1Hematology Department of the René Huguenin Hospital, Institut Curie, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France ; Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France.
• 2Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Grenoble, 38043 Grenoble, France.
• 3Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the Robert Boulin Hospital, 33505 Libourne, France.
• 4Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Tours, 37044 Tours, France.
• 5Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Bobigny, 93000 Bobigny, France.
• 6Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France.
• 7Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France.
• 8Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Necker, 75015 Paris, France.
• 9Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France.
• 10Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, 75001 Paris, France.
• 11Ethics Commission of the French Society of Hematology, France ; Hematology Department of the University of Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France.

Abstract

Admission of patients with hematological malignancies to intensive care unit (ICU) raises recurrent ethical issues for both hematological and intensivist teams. The decision of transfer to ICU has major consequences for end of life care for patients and their relatives. It also impacts organizational human and economic aspects for the ICU and global health policy. In light of the recent advances in hematology and critical care medicine, a wide multidisciplinary debate has been conducted resulting in guidelines approved by consensus by both disciplines. The main aspects developed were (i) clarification of the clinical situations that could lead to a transfer to ICU taking into account the severity criteria of both hematological malignancy and clinical distress, (ii) understanding the process of decision-making in a context of regular interdisciplinary concertation involving the patient and his relatives, (iii) organization of a collegial concertation at the time of the initial decision of transfer to ICU and throughout and beyond the stay in ICU. The aim of this work is to propose suggestions to strengthen the collaboration between the different teams involved, to facilitate the daily decision-making process, and to allow improvement of clinical practice.

Why the future of medicine is real-time web 3.0 patient-centered communication

PLoS One. 2014 Oct 28;9(10):e109032. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109032. eCollection 2014.

The Impact of Text Message Reminders on Adherence to Antimalarial Treatment in Northern Ghana: A Randomized Trial.

Raifman JR1, Lanthorn HE2, Rokicki S3, Fink G1.

Author information

• 1Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America.
• 2Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America.
• 3Department of Health Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States of America.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Low rates of adherence to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regimens increase the risk of treatment failure and may lead to drug resistance, threatening the sustainability of current anti-malarial efforts. We assessed the impact of text message reminders on adherence to ACT regimens.

METHODS:

Health workers at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other stationary ACT distributors in Tamale, Ghana provided flyers advertising free mobile health information to individuals receiving malaria treatment. The messaging system automatically randomized self-enrolled individuals to the control group or the treatment group with equal probability; those in the treatment group were further randomly assigned to receive a simple text message reminder or the simple reminder plus an additional statement about adherence in 12-hour intervals. The main outcome was self-reported adherence based on follow-up interviews occurring three days after treatment initiation. We estimated the impact of the messages on treatment completion using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

1140 individuals enrolled in both the study and the text reminder system. Among individuals in the control group, 61.5% took the full course of treatment. The simple text message reminders increased the odds of adherence (adjusted OR 1.45, 95% CI [1.03 to 2.04], p-value 0.028). Receiving an additional message did not result in a significant change in adherence (adjusted OR 0.77, 95% CI [0.50 to 1.20], p-value 0.252).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study suggest that a simple text message reminder can increase adherence to antimalarial treatment and that additional information included in messages does not have a significant impact on completion of ACT treatment. Further research is needed to develop the most effective text message content and frequency.

"Medicine has always been a very attractive option for school leavers."

Int J Health Plann Manage. 2014 Oct 23. doi: 10.1002/hpm.2271. [Epub ahead of print]

Perspective: lessons from the past.

Holland WW.

Author information

• London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

Abstract

A considered analysis of some factors used in the past 50-70 years in medical education, care on a hospital ward, organisation of health services, medical research and the attitudes of media and politics to health services is described. The possible reasons for changes in these areas over time are considered, and recommendations are made in each area on how current practice could be improved in the light of past experience. 

From the ACLU: Ebola: Travel Bans, Quarantines, and Political Courage

Ebola: Travel Bans, Quarantines, and Political Courage

"Where individuals cooperate with the authorities in allowing close monitoring of their health and other reasonable precautions, the imposition of quarantines on those without symptoms appears to be driven by politics rather than science, and therefore raises serious civil liberties concerns."

Pediatr Surg Int. 2014 Oct 22. [Epub ahead of print]

The quality of guidelines in pediatric surgery: can we all AGREE?

Shawyer AC1, Livingston MH, Manja V, Brouwers MC.

Author information

• 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada, annashawyer@gmail.com.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Guidelines are meant to facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making but vary in methodological rigor and quality of reporting. We assessed the quality of guidelines published in major pediatric surgery journals.

METHODS:

A MEDLINE search of 4 key pediatric surgery journals was performed. Included studies had guidelines, clinical practice guidelines, and consensus statements as a subject heading or keyword. Evaluations of guidelines were excluded. Eligible guidelines were assessed by three reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) Instrument.

RESULTS:

Our search identified ten guidelines for review. Agreement for study selection was excellent [K = 0.81 (95 % CI 0.63-0.99)]. The mean AGREE II score for individual guidelines was 18 % (SD 5.7 %). The best-scored quality domains were "scope and purpose" [mean score 49 % (SD 8.7 %)] and "clarity of presentation" [mean score 40 % (SD 18.7 %)]. The poorest score was for "editorial independence" [mean score 2 % (SD 3.7 %)].

CONCLUSIONS:

The overall quality of guidelines in pediatric surgery, using AGREE II, is poor and may lead to inappropriate clinical decisions. Increased awareness of proper reporting and the methodological requirements for guideline development are needed to optimize the potential of guideline recommendations to improve practice.

Are Tumor Boards Defunct?

Are Tumor Boards Defunct?

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2014 Oct 24;2(4):e44. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.3599.

User Preferences and Design Recommendations for an mHealth App to Promote Cystic Fibrosis Self-Management.

Hilliard ME1, Hahn A, Ridge AK, Eakin MN, Riekert KA.

Author information

• 1Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, United States.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

mHealth apps hold potential to provide automated, tailored support for treatment adherence among individuals with chronic medical conditions. Yet relatively little empirical research has guided app development and end users are infrequently involved in designing the app features or functions that would best suit their needs. Self-management apps may be particularly useful for people with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis(CF) that have complex, demanding regimens.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this mixed-methods study was to involve individuals with CF in guiding the development of engaging, effective, user-friendly adherence promotion apps that meet their preferences and self-management needs.

METHODS:

Adults with CF (n=16, aged 21-48 years, 50% male) provided quantitative data via a secure Web survey and qualitative data via semi-structured telephone interviews regarding previous experiences using apps in general and for health, and preferred and unwanted features of potential future apps to support CF self-management.

RESULTS:

Participants were smartphone users who reported sending or receiving text messages (93%, 14/15) or emails (80%, 12/15) on their smartphone or device every day, and 87% (13/15) said it would be somewhat or very hard to give up their smartphone. Approximately one-half (53%, 8/15) reported having health apps, all diet/weight-related, yet many reported that existing nutrition apps were not well-suited for CF management. Participants wanted apps to support CF self-management with characteristics such as having multiple rather than single functions (eg, simple alarms), being specific to CF, and minimizing user burden. Common themes for desired CF app features were having information at one's fingertips, automation of disease management activities such as pharmacy refills, integration with smartphones' technological capabilities, enhancing communication with health care team, and facilitating socialization within the CF community. Opinions were mixed regarding gamification and earning rewards or prizes. Participants emphasized the need for customization options to meet individual preferences and disease management goals.

CONCLUSIONS:

Unique capabilities of emerging smartphone technologies (eg, social networking integration, movement and location detection, integrated sensors, or electronic monitors) make many of these requests possible. Involving end users in all stages of mHealth app development and collaborating with technology experts and the health care system may result in apps that maintain engagement, improve integration and automation, and ultimately impact self-management and health outcomes.

Psychol Addict Behav. 2014 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Predicting Attitudes Toward a Restrictive Alcohol Policy: Using a Model of Distal and Proximal Predictors.

Storvoll EE, Moan IS, Rise J.

Abstract

Previous research on attitudes toward a restrictive alcohol policy has mainly focused on variables such as demographics and own drinking as possible predictors. The present article adds to the existing literature by examining the impact of a set of beliefs and personal experiences with the harm caused by other peoples' drinking. We suggest and test an analytic model in which the predictors are ranked according to their conceptual proximity to attitudes. The data stem from a Web survey in the Norwegian adult population (N = 1,951), mapping the respondents' attitudes toward pricing policy and availability restrictions, belief in the harm-limiting effect of such measures, belief in the harm caused by drinking, and personal experiences with harm from others' drinking. In line with the suggested model, belief in the effectiveness of restrictive measures and belief in the harm caused by drinking appeared as the strongest predictors. Attitudes were less strongly related to own drinking, and particularly to demographics. Altogether, 41% of the variance in attitudes was explained. Negative experience with other peoples' drinking was a statistically significant predictor only among young respondents. The strong relationships between proximal predictors, such as belief in the harm caused by drinking and belief in the harm-limiting effect of restrictive measures and attitudes, indicate that support for a restrictive policy may be increased by focusing on awareness of such issues rather than on more distal predictors. However, further research is needed to acquire more knowledge about the mechanisms behind these associations. 

From U Chicago: The Economics of Human Development and Social Mobility

Annu Rev Econom. 2014 Aug;6:689-733.

The Economics of Human Development and Social Mobility.

Heckman JJ1, Mosso S2.

Author information

• 1Department of Economics, University of Chicago, 1126 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, jjh@uchicago.edu.
• 2Department of Economics, University of Chicago, 1126 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, smosso@uchicago.edu.

Abstract

This paper distills and extends recent research on the economics of human development and social mobility. It summarizes the evidence from diverse literatures on the importance of early life conditions in shaping multiple life skills and the evidence on critical and sensitive investment periods for shaping different skills. It presents economic models that rationalize the evidence and unify the treatment effect and family influence literatures. The evidence on the empirical and policy importance of credit constraints in forming skills is examined. There is little support for the claim that untargeted income transfer policies to poor families significantly boost child outcomes. Mentoring, parenting, and attachment are essential features of successful families and interventions to shape skills at all stages of childhood. The next wave of family studies will better capture the active role of the emerging autonomous child in learning and responding to the actions of parents, mentors and teachers.

From NEJM: Ebola and Quarantine

N Engl J Med. 2014 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Ebola and Quarantine.

Drazen JM, Kanapathipillai R, Campion EW, Rubin EJ, Hammer SM, Morrissey S, Baden LR.

Abstract

The governors of a number of states, including New York and New Jersey, recently imposed 21-day quarantines on health care workers returning to the United States from regions of the world where they may have cared for patients with Ebola virus disease. We understand their motivation for thispolicy - to protect the citizens of their states from contracting this often-fatal illness. This approach, however, is not scientifically based, is unfair and unwise, and will impede essential efforts to stop these awful outbreaks of Ebola disease at their source, which is the only satisfactory goal. 

Healthc Q. 2014;17(PSP7):21-26.

Governance, Policy and System-Level Efforts to Support Safer Healthcare.

Baker RG.

Author information

• Professor and program director of the MSc Quality Improvement and Patient Safety program at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.

Abstract

Over the past 10 years there have been concerted efforts across Canada to create safer healthcare systems both by improving practices at the frontline and by creating an environment that encourages the development of effective safety practices and a safety culture. There have been major changes in organizational policies regarding the disclosure of adverse events to patient and families, the reporting of patient safety incidents to facilitate learning, and new accreditation requirements. Governing bodies for healthcare organizations have been given clearer accountabilities for quality of care and patient safety, and improved performance measurement, greater engagement of patients and families, and a trend toward greater transparency have aided efforts to improve patient safety. However, some areas where changes were anticipated, including the reform of medical liability processes and changes to regulations that govern health professional practices have not progressed as much as some expected. Overall, a decade following the release of the Canadian Adverse Events Study and the creation of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute many healthcare organizations have made only limited progress toward the creation of "a culture of safety" and a safer healthcare system.

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2014 Oct 25. [Epub ahead of print]

The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Gender Reassignment Surgeries: Unjust Discrimination or Responsible Care?

Selvaggi G1, Giordano S.

Author information

• 1Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gröna Stråket 8, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden, selvaggigennaro@yahoo.it.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Recent literature has raised an important ethical concern relating to the way in which surgeons approach people with gender dysphoria (GD): it has been suggested that referring transsexual patients to mental assessment can constitute a form of unjust discrimination. The aim of this paper is to examine some of the ethical issues concerning the role of the mental health professional in gender reassignment surgeries (GRS).

METHOD:

The role of the mental health professional in GRS is analyzed by presenting the Standards of Care by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, and discussing the principles of autonomy and non-discrimination.

RESULTS:

Purposes of psychotherapy are exploring gender identity; addressing the negative impact of GD on mental health; alleviating internalized transphobia; enhancing social and peer support; improving body image; promoting resilience; and assisting the surgeons with the preparation prior to the surgery and the patient's follow-up. Offering or requesting psychological assistance is in no way a form of negative discrimination or an attack to the patient's autonomy. Contrarily, it might improve transsexual patients' care, and thus at the most may represent a form of positive discrimination. To treat people as equal does not mean that they should be treated in the same way, but with the same concern and respect, so that their unique needs and goals can be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS:

Offering or requesting psychological assistance to individuals with GD is a form of responsible care, and not unjust discrimination.

Philos Ethics Humanit Med. 2014 Oct 24;9(1):15. [Epub ahead of print]

Ebola, epidemics, and ethics - what we have learned.

Donovan GK.

Abstract

The current Ebola epidemic has presented challenges both medical and ethical. Although we have known epidemics of untreatable diseases in the past, this particular one may be unique in the intensity and rapidity of its spread, as well as ethical challenges that it has created, exacerbated by its geographic location. We will look at the infectious agent and the epidemic it is causing, in order to understand the ethical problems that have arisen.

From Queen's U-Belfast: Reframing Bioethics Education for Non-Professionals

New Bioeth. 2014 Jan 1;20(2):186-198.

Reframing Bioethics Education for Non-Professionals.

Emmerich N.

Author information

• School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, Queen's University Belfast.

Abstract

It is increasingly common for universities to provide cross-curricular education in bioethics as part of contemporary attempts to produce 'global citizens.' In this article I examine three perspectives drawn from research into pedagogy that has been conducted from the perspective of cognitive anthropology and consider its relevance to bioethics education. I focus on: two metaphors of learning, participation and acquisition, identified by Sfard; the psychological notion of moral development; and the distinction between socialization and enculturation. Two of these perspectives have been particularly fruitful in understanding the processes of teaching and learning in a variety of domains. The third perspective has been developed in relation to the formal ethical education of medical students. I examine their relevance for 'non-professional' bioethics education suggesting that if we take seriously the idea that it is part of 'educating for citizenship' then the distinction between 'ethics' and 'politics' is blurred as such programmes aim at the development of student's political subjectivity.