MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'consent'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:50:42 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062500&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FdI34cgVq2EI%2F After two decades during which complaints have mounted over various aspects of clinical trials, the US Department of Health & Human Services has issued a proposal that would, presumably, better protect clinical trial subjects. There are various suggestions, but include improving consent forms for participants and mandating the use of a single institutional review board for multi-study sites. “The current regulations governing human subjects research were developed years ago when research was predominantly conducted at universities, colleges, and medical institutions, and each study generally took place at only a single site,” the HHS states in its proposal, which indicates comments can be submitted for 60 days as of July 25 - which is today - according to an HHS spokeswoma... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062500 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:16:58 +0100 5062500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984452&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbending-the-cost-curve-in-cancer-care-reduce-excessive-testing-for-reassurance-purposes%2F2011.06.29 This is the second in a series of posts on Bending the Cost Curve in Cancer Care. We should consider the proposal, published in the NEJM, gradually over the course of this summer, starting with “suggested changes in oncologists’ behavior,” #1: 1. Target surveillance testing or imaging to situations in which a benefit has been shown. This point concerns the costs of doctors routinely ordering CTs, MRIs and other imaging exams, besides blood tests, for patients who’ve completed a course of cancer treatment and are thought to be in remission. The NEJM authors consider that after a cancer diagnosis many patients, understandably, seek reassurance that any recurrence will be detected early, if it happens. Doctors, for their part, may not fully appreciate the lack of benefit of detecting ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984452 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:00:37 +0100 4984452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853217&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZdvfQlG4ejw%2F The ‘phantom recall’ scandal last year in which Johnson & Johnson hired contractors to yank over-the-counter meds such as Motrin from store shelves rather than conduct a proper recall prompted congressional hearings and contributed to a consent decree, among many other things. And during one hearing, the FDA agreed to review procedures that allowed the health care giant to, essentially, circumvent agency oversight (back stories here, here and here). Now, though, Darrell Issa, who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held those hearings, has written FDA commish Margaret Hamburg to say the agency has failed to take “promised and necessary corrective actions at its San Juan office.” And he complains that he encountered “great ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853217 Mon, 23 May 2011 18:19:57 +0100 4853217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847962&cid=t_100687_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F7LbGamUygeg%2F Which emergency physician podcaster does Mel Herbert of EMRAP admire for his '20 inches'?... That's just the tip of the iceberg of funtabulous frivolity that can be found in this week's edition! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847962 Fri, 20 May 2011 09:05:18 +0100 4847962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803146&cid=t_100687_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FRL51oCgViVc%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803146 Mon, 02 May 2011 05:51:07 +0100 4803146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758708&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011-vol-305-no-6%2F This article evaluates and examines the eligibility of live kidney donors and their short- and long-term risks are discussed. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy. Filed under: Athens Password, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Donor Selection, Ethics, Informed Consent, Kidney Failure, Organ Donation, Organ Transplantation, Patient Safety, Surgical Procedures (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758708 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:43:11 +0100 4758708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693506&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4zogyJRhrJY%2F Some assignments are more challenging than others. And Denice Torres will certainly have a big mountain to climb now that she is running Johnson & Johnson’s beleaguered McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, the division responsible for numerous manufacturing gaffes that led to an eye-popping series of product recalls and a spate of troubles for the once-venerable healthcare giant. Since 2009, Torres headed CNS (or central nervous system) for North America Pharmaceuticals for J&J’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit. For two years prior to that post, she was an Ethicon sales and marketing vp, and an Ortho McNeil Neurologics marketing vp. She reports to Pat Mutchler, who was recently named company group chair for US over-the-counter and nutritional products (see this)... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693506 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:20:38 +0100 4693506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658626&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FX_coy97_9ZY%2F Perhaps there is a strategy at work here. Once again, Johnson & Johnson has issued a product recall. In the scheme of things, this is a very modest one - exactly one lot of Tylenol 8-Hour Extended Release Caplets, which amounts to 34,000 150 bottles, according to a statement the health care giant issued yesterday afternoon. Given the overwhelming number of recalls over the past year - tens of millions of products, including over-the-counter meds, hip replacement devices, syringes and contact lenses, among others - perhaps the J&J team has figured out that the public, investors and consumers alike, has tired of hearing about such things and will start ignoring the ongoing problems. Of course, J&J is obligated in some ways to release such info. But the events have become so ro... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658626 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:56:41 +0100 4658626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4627015&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4tFBEcAGy0Q%2F Never mind a consent decree. Genzyme continues to have manufacturing problems at its Allston Landing, Massachusetts facility. The biotech today disclosed that a lot of its Fabrazyme med, which is used to treat Fabry’s disease, was rejected for failing to meet quality standards and the move will further limit supplies to patients who are already suffering from rationing. “As you know, we have been operating with very limited inventory of Fabrazyme. Because inventory is so limited, loss of this specific lot of Fabrazyme will have an impact on some patients in the coming months. For some patients, this may mean delaying scheduled infusions immediately; for some patients, it may mean missing one or more infusions altogether over the next few months. All regions will share the impac... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4627015 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:18:21 +0100 4627015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570755&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FdawHSkf9zpU%2F After months of serious manufacturing problems, Johnson & Johnson has entered into a consent decree with the FDA for three separate facilities that have been responsible for most product recalls over the past year. Moreover, two execs - McNeil Consumer Healthcare vp of quality Veronica Cruz and the vp of operations for OTC products, Hakan Erdemir - were also named as civil defendants. The plants, all of which are run by the McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, are located in Fort Washington and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. As part of the decree, which is expected to run five years, J&J is required to destroy all drugs made at the facilities since 2009, J&J must hire outside experts to develop remediation plans and follow strict timetables for meeting va... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570755 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:06:51 +0100 4570755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489978&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fm5Z4_CQibSM%2F After chasing Genzyme around the table for several months, Sanofi-Aventis has finally reached a deal. Originally, the drugmaker offered $69 a share, but as you know, is paying $74 in cash, or roughly $20 billion, plus an unusual contingent value rights (CVR) that will be priced depending on various factors, such as fixing manufacturing problems and whether the Campath leukemia med is approved for multiple sclerosis. And so the CVR could require additional payouts of up to $4 per CVR later. Or maybe not. As for strategy, Sanofi ceo Chris Viehbacher has pooh-poohed stock buybacks and talked up the value of pursuing Genzyme and its biologics, an area of keen interest to big pharma. Then again, Genzyme is saddled with ongoing manufacturing difficulties that resulted in not only a consent decre... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489978 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:34:00 +0100 4489978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460184&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqDbHsZjf4IQ%2F Some scandals will just not go away. Consider the Trovan affair. In recent months, a cable disclosed by WikiLeaks indicated Pfizer hired investigators to use ‘dirty tricks’ to force the Nigerian government into a settlement (see this). A group of Nigerians and their families filed a lawsuit against the drugmaker for $384 million over their unhappiness with settlement requirements (read here). And now, a former Pfizer employee has written a federal court judge with his own account of alleged misdeeds surrounding the episode, which began back in 1996. Ironically, these latest developments occurred after Pfizer agreed to a $75 million settlement to resolve civil and criminal charges brought by the Kano State government in Nigeria, and hoped the matter would end. For those unfamili... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460184 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:24:27 +0100 4460184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411528&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffda-reports-on-association-of-breast-implants-and-a%25c2%25a0rare-form-of-cancer%2F2011.01.28 The FDA [has] issued an alert about a pos­sible link between breast implants — saline or sil­icone — and a rare form of lym­phoma called anaplastic large cell lym­phoma (ALCL). These lym­phoma cases are exceed­ingly rare, but the asso­ci­ation appears to be significant. The FDA iden­tified a total of approx­i­mately 60 ALCL cases in asso­ci­ation with implants, worldwide. Of these, 34 were iden­tified by review of pub­lished medical lit­er­ature from 1997 to May, 2010; the others were reported by implant man­u­fac­turers and other sources. The agency esti­mates the number of women worldwide with breast implants is between five and 10 million. These numbers translate to between six and 12 ALCL cases in the breast, per million women with breast implan... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411528 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:00:26 +0100 4411528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372246&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIzSqDJiZYhw%2F File this under ‘if at you first you don’t succeed…’ After being rejected last month by the National Institutes of Health in a bid to override the patent on a Genzyme drug that is in perpetually short supply, a pair of Fabry’s disease patients are now petitioning the FDA to insist that overseas stock of the med is first made available to US citizens. The move comes amid ongoing difficulties Genzyme has encountered in producing sufficient supplies of Fabrazyme due to severe manufacturing problems that began in 2009. These prompted a $175 million fine, a consent decree and a takeover bid from Sanofi-Aventis. Existing patients, meanwhile, are subject to inadequate rationing and newly diagnosed patients are unable to receive any meds. To rectify the situation, som... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372246 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:25:39 +0100 4372246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318308&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FDTY4LtxaeHY%2F By Mark A. CalabriaWith the start of the 112th Congress, Senate Democrats have offered a set of rule changes, most of which are geared toward the filibuster.  Some of these changes, such as guaranteeing the minority at least three amendments, make a great deal of sense.  I’ve long thought that the practice of the Majority Leader (of any party) “filling the amendment tree” did not make for good legislating.  And I say that, recalling as a former Senate staffer, the practice made my life easier on numerous occasions. One part of the package, however, that of ending “secret” holds strikes me as rather uninformed as to actual Senate practice.  First let’s recall that a “hold’ is essentially a method for Senators to tell the Majority Leader th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318308 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:44:49 +0100 4318308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258871&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F12%2F14%2Fchristmas-time-2010%2F It’s that time of year when we like to send Christmas cards, buy presents, and attend parties and family get-togethers. As a researcher and journalist whose work is published on VacTruth, I feel as if I have an extended family of readers devoted to issues that affect them and their children personally: vaccine safety and informed consent. So, to my fellow journalists at VacTruth; editor, Jeffry John Aufderheide; and you, my readers, I say “Thank you” for the opportunity to contribute. I truly believe we have to keep on “keeping on” in order to bring to light the ‘pseudo science’ that surrounds vaccines, vaccinations, and loss of sovereignty and self-determination in the care of our health, bodies, and children. Too much of the ‘herd instinct’ is being disseminated that en... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258871 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:07:23 +0100 4258871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245602&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTPdP0IO_UZo%2F For those struggling to keep track of all the Johnson & Johnson recalls and misdeeds over the past year, the FDA web site is a treasure trove of information. The agency offers a handy-dandy tally of all of the millions of bottles of over-the-counter medications recalled this year as well as a dirty laundry list of manufacturing problems at its McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit. To wit, there are nine - count ‘em, nine - separate listings for extensive recalls this year of such venerable products as Tylenol, Mylanta, Motrin, Rolaids and Benadryl, which means the tally is incomplete (see this). How so? The ‘phantom recalls’ that were disclosed by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform took place last year (see here and here) Elsewhere, the FDA lists no fe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245602 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:58:15 +0100 4245602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225257&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fpolice-arrested-twelve-year-old-boy-for-refusing-vaccine-at-school%2F In conclusion, it is clear that the 12 year should have been tested to establish whether he was Gillick competent. If this did not happen, then according to the Canadian Law it was the school officials that the police should have arrested because the school officials violated this young man’s freedom of choice. (Source: vactruth.com) vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225257 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:35:11 +0100 4225257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220454&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fxqi0xobah4I%2F The possibility that the FDA may take more severe action against Johnson & Johnson may be more likely. After all, the agency last month issued a 483 enforcement report, which detailed all sorts of problems at the healthcare giant’s Las Piedras facility in Puerto Rico, mostly to do with quality control and following written procedures (take a look). Yet some violations cited were also found in a previous 483 report stemming from FDA inspections at the same facility last January and February. Being a repeat offender, especially after being warned not to do so amid multiple and serious manufacturing issues at this plant and another in Fort Washington, Pa., does not bode well for Johnson & Johnson. Consequently, “we see increased risk of a consent decree or seizure, eithe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220454 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:44:46 +0100 4220454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106058&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fp0__1ar8-tk%2F Hello, everyone, and a very good morning to you. Another shiny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are hustling assorted short people off to the local schoolhouse and preparing for the usual round of meetings and deadlines. Same with you? Of course. So to prepare, here are a few items of interest. Hope your day goes well and do stay in touch… Savient Pharmaceuticals Fails To Find A Buyer (Bloomberg News) Boehringer Prices New Bloodthinner At $6.75 A Day (Reuters) Celgene Scales Back Expansion Plan (NJ.com) Walgreen May Sell Its PBM Business (Bloomberg News) Insurer Pilots Cancer Care Reimbursement For Oncologists (PharmaTimes) NICE May Not OK Simponi For Rheumatoid Arthritis (PharmaTimes) Amgen Earnings Beat Estimates Despite Shrinking Sales (Bloomberg N... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106058 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:03:44 +0100 4106058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903128&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqnjGj73YNLM%2F A new study in Pediatrics finds more pediatric trials are going overseas - 65 percent conducted under the pediatric exclusivity provision, which offers drugmakers six months of patent extension for running safety and efficacy studies - used overseas sites. More than one-third, or 38 percent, enrolled patients in a developing country, including one-third of trials testing infectious disease, cardiovascular and allergy and immunology meds. And 11 per cent only used sites outside the US (here is the abstract). “There are potential benefits to the globalization of pediatric research, such as reducing the cost and time line for drug development, fostering global clinical innovation, and improving access to therapies and the health of children worldwide,” says Sara Pasquali, the study’s l... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903128 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:27:29 +0100 3903128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724490&cid=t_100687_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Finformed-consent-how-technology-can.html Image by thinkpanama via FlickrThis is a guest post from Mr Parag Vora, CEO, Infoseek, in which I am an angel investor. Infoseek makes patient educational videos in India.Getting Informed consent from the patient remains a very tricky area in medical practice today . Failure to obtain valid consent is one the commonest reasons patients go to court when they are unhappy with their doctor.Unfortunately, no standardised guidelines have ever been published by the Medical Council of India, Indian Medical Association, or any other ‘reputed’ medical body. This is a huge lacuna, and the importance of taking consent has never been taught to most doctors properly, even though there has been a huge rise in medico-legal and malpractice claims in the past decade or so. All over India there is a lot... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724490 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:10:00 +0100 3724490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644714&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Farchives-of-surgery-2010-vol-145-no-4%2F contents page Fade Fave: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effect of Audiotaped Consultations on the Quality of Informed Consent in Cardiac Surgery Fade Skinny: Evaluates the effect of audiotaping outpatient consultations on informed consent for cardiac surgery. Finds that providing an audiotaped recording of the consultation before cardiac surgery appears to improve patients’ knowledge and perceptions of control of their health status and to reduce anxiety and depression. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Ethics, Patient Consent to Treatment (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644714 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:32:05 +0100 3644714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640961&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fpublication-of-mental-capacity-act-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-quarterly-activity-data%2F Title: Briefing on Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Skinny: Short briefing to accompany the Information Centre for Health and Social Care’s quarterly activity data for Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DOLS). It draws together the headlines about the first nine months of MCA DOLS activity and reminds practitioners of the guidance in the Code of Practice in relation to five specific practice issues that have been raised regularly with the Department during the first year of the implementation of the Safeguards. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p. Published: 26/05/10 Filed under: Grey Literature, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health, NHS Tagged: Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Ethics, Grey Literature, Legislation, Mental Capacity A... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640961 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 05:55:10 +0100 3640961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3611906&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Factive-kids-outdoor-play-and-little-mishaps%2F2010.05.30 This study suggests that school children in this age group should be provided with daily recess. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3611906 Sun, 30 May 2010 13:19:26 +0100 3611906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599740&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fl5rzkQWb88Y%2F The beleaguered biotech, which agreed to pay $175 million for its sins, disclosed the basics yesterday. These include a remediation plan that will take up to three years to complete and if milestones aren’t met, the FDA can require a fine of $15,000 a day, for each affected drug, until everything is on track. Then, there is five years of oversight and annual reports (see the consent decree here). Meanwhile, Genzyme will continue to ship Cerezyme and Fabrazyme, which are made, filled and finished in its Allston Landing, MA, plant, as well as Thyrogen, which is filled and finished there. In the US, Thyrogen distribution will be based on medical necessity until another facility is available. But Genzyme has to move fill and finish operations out of the Allston plant for those three meds... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599740 Tue, 25 May 2010 19:58:11 +0100 3599740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542553&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2FgyvOUPaQPBI%2Fbioethical-perspective-on-oklahomas-new.html The percentage of college educated Americans who support legal abortion seems to have reached a new low among women under thirty and among the population as a whole,  so it should be no surprise that states are passing laws to restrict safe abortions. Before performing any abortion Oklahoma’s new 2010 law requires that the doctor do an ultrasound and describe to the woman the dimensions and gestational age of the embryo, cardiac activity if any, and appearance of external and internal structures.  A vaginal transducer must be used when doing so will display the embryo more clearly than an abdominal transducer.  Oklahoma’s law thus requires doctors to perform an ultrasound that is not medically indicated and likely to be invasive. In this era of skyrocketing medical costs... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542553 Thu, 06 May 2010 16:26:43 +0100 3542553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463624&cid=t_100687_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Felectronically-tailoring-consents.html What would you rather know when undergoing a surgical procedure, what are your most likely complications during the proposed surgery based on your own personal characteristics, or all of the potential complications that could arise with your upcoming surgical procedure?Several major medical centers are betting you'd like to know your tailored personal risks:Integris Heart Hospital doctors are testing a high-tech consent form for patients considering angioplasty. A computer program draws from a database of 600,000 patients around the country to better predict individual risks and benefits of the procedure. The new process replaces one-size-fits-all forms that were used primarily as a legal formality. The high-tech version uses simple language and illustrations to explain procedures, while m... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463624 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:47:00 +0100 3463624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460207&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-three-shrinks-podcast-51-vegan.html For this podcast I brought some homemade vegan gingerbread cookies that I baked using a recipe from the Steph Davis blog. I'm also looking for a good sugar cookie recipe that doesn't use refined sugar or all-purpose flour. If you've got one, send it along.We discuss my post Is it malpractice to lie? which involves a surgeon sued for malpractice for allegedly lying to a patient regarding his professional background. We wonder how much, if any, information physicians may some day be obliged to disclose to their patients prior to treatment. There is a new type of research being done, called "in silica" research, in which people write computer programs to model behavior. We talked about computer models of suicide and how this can replicate suicide epidemics in real life. Roy is inspired to tal... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460207 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:00:00 +0100 3460207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3415986&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F29%2Fjournal-of-medical-ethics-2009-vol-36-no-1%2F content page Fade Fave: Rights, respect for dignity and end-of-life care: time for a change in the concept of informed consent Fade Skinny: The current concepts of autonomy, surrogate autonomy and informed consent often lead to futile and expensive care at the ends of life. They may impinge on the dignity of the patient as well as subject society to unwarranted expense. In order to provide affordable healthcare for all, these concepts are in need of modification (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, End of Life Care, Informed Consent (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3415986 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:20:25 +0100 3415986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399174&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FfnGrxrJ2nEU%2F After months of manufacturing problems involving viral contamination and even bits of trash in some of its products, the beleaguered biotech says the FDA intends to take enforcement action that will “likely result” in a consent decree. And so a “third party” would inspect and review its operations for an extended period, and Genzyme would have to pay what is currently an unspecified fine (here is the Genzyme statement). Just the same, Genzyme expects product shipments to continue. The biotech makes and sells Cerezyme to treat Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for treating Fabry disease, as well as Myozyme for Pompe disease. Talks will be held with the FDA about its Thyrogen treatment for thyroid cancer patients. Its troubles began last summer when its Allston Landing, M... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399174 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:40:48 +0100 3399174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374174&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fis-it-malpractice-to-lie.html I came across this interesting malpractice case via the HealthLaw Twitter feed which I've been following for a while now. The case is Willis v Bender, a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals case out of Wisconsin.In this case a surgeon was sued by his patient following complications from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). Before the procedure he explained the risks of the surgery to her, and she also asked him questions about his experience and success rate with the procedure. She asked additional questions about whether he had ever been sued for malpractice or had any action taken against his medical license. He answered no to both questions and added that he had an almost perfect success rate with the surgery. Well, bad things happened. The patient suffered a perforated intes... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374174 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3374174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339638&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fare-pregnant-women-honest-about-their.html Is there any line we should not cross when it comes to invading a patient's right to privacy?  The dangers of heavy drinking in pregnancy are well documented, and the more awareness there is about foetal alcohol syndrome, the better. And of course we should offer advice and information to all pregnant women and it is reasonable to ask them how much alcohol they drink.  Now, however, there is talk of testing women to see if they are telling the truth:Pregnant women are being asked to take new blood tests that reveal their drinking habits and could leave them accused of putting the health of their unborn children at risk. The test, which gives results in an hour, allows midwives to construct a picture of how much a mother-to-be has drunk over the previous fortnight, even if she has... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339638 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:36:00 +0100 3339638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291877&cid=t_100687_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fusing-videos-to-help-consent-patients.html Consenting patients for complicated procedures like atrial fibrillation ablation takes considerable time to do well and our facility might do things very differently than other institutions. To assure patients heard a consistent message and to help facilitate our visits with them, we decided to create a 9-minute video to supplement our discussions during our procedural consenting process. While our video was professionally produced (and the circles around my eyes disclose the time of day this was shot), no doubt a simpler video using a hand-held HD video camera and iMovie software on a MAC could provide similar results at lower cost.In general, I think our patients have appreciated that they can view the video online at home or here in our office as often as desired. We also have burned co... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291877 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3291877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287715&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F4uYgThNF_tg%2F By Mark A. CalabriaRecent weeks have witnessed considerable media attention on a fairly obscure Senate practice: that of Senators placing a “hold” on a nomination.  Holds are essentially a method for Senators to tell the Majority Leader that if the Leader were to try to move a nomination by unanimous consent, that Senator would object on the Senate floor. Much of the attention has unsurprisingly come from Democrats, who see the use of holds as obstructing President Obama’s ability to get in place his preferred personnel.  Perhaps getting the most attention was Senator Richard Shelby’s placing a hold on 70 some nominations (full disclosure: I spent seven years working for Shelby). What is missed in the debate over holds is whether the Senate should be moving nomi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287715 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:46:51 +0100 3287715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216842&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3RHWBeMHIwE%2F Will the third time be the charm? Once again, the New Jersey legislature is being urged to pass a bill requiring a doctor or nurse to obtain informed consent from a minor’s parent before writing a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning. The issue first emerged in the wake of the controversy over links between antidepressants and suicidal behavior in teens. As with two previous efforts, the initiative is being pushed by several parents who believe that FDA-mandated Med Guides for antidepressants are insufficient. Their earlier attempts were thwarted by a state senator who repeatedly blocked introduction (see here and here), but the Senate health committee now has a new chair. The bill was recently introduced in the assembly and Senate support is bei... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216842 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:57:20 +0100 3216842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039844&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F29%2Fwhen-all-else-fails-brain-surgery%2F Like many others, I’ve never been a big fan of surgery as a solution for mental disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression. A medical procedure done on a bodily organ whose functioning we’re only beginning to grasp — the brain — seems a little premature. It hits too close to the thinking behind frontal lobotomies and the justifications doctors used for them back in the 1950s and 1960s, “By cutting and removing the front part of the brain, we help quiet the unrest in these troubled minds.” As we later found out, we also quieted the entire person to the point of many of those people become drooling vegetables. That was considered “progress” by many well-educated professionals for many, many years during this time. Amazing.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039844 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:22:31 +0100 3039844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916162&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgoogling-and-oogling.html We've been talking about Psychiatrists and Facebook here on Shrink Rap and it got me thinking about psychiatry and technology. I always think of the internet as kind of public turf. Can it be "wrong" to Google someone? It's not illegal, it's not hard, and the stuff is all in the public domain. People will sometimes mention they've Googled me to find my phone number. I don't often Google patients, but once in a while. Someone once told me about their brother's murder in an international scandal and it sounded a bit weird, so I Googled (--the brother had been murdered and there was some mention of the international issue). But is "wrong?" I'm perplexed.In a Psychiatric News story from July, Jun Yan writes in Psychiatrist Must Beware the Perils of Cyberspace: Recently, APA's Ethics Committee ... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916162 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:01:00 +0100 2916162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2882971&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F12%2Fthe-human-fertilisation-embryology-act-1990-disclosure-of-identifying-information-for-research-regulations-for-consultation%2F Title: The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990: disclosure of identifying information for research: regulations for consultation Skinny: Second consultation on the regulations to establish a procedure for authorising the disclosure of identifying information held by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, for research purposes, where it is not practicable to obtain consent to the disclosure from the persons to whom the information relates. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 26p Published: 08/10/2009 Posted in Data Protection, Grey Literature, Human Rights, NHS Tagged: Consent, Data Protection, Grey Literature, Human Fertility, Identification, Regulations (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2882971 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:29:04 +0100 2882971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883054&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fyou-may-go-now.html I've learned something important from....reading the comments posted to our blog, listening to people talk, being a person who talks....No one likes to feel their concerns are being dismissed (myself included).It's a recurrent theme in the comments that are sent to us, especially with regard to medications: a reader has a concern about a medication, feels it isn't working or that the side effects are too severe, and either their doctor does not address their concerns in a way that feels validating or the reader perceives that the doctor does not understand....since I'm not there, I can't say which is happening, but the feeling on the part of our readers is clear.And just so you know, I've been on both ends of the discussion. I once lowered the dose of a medication, found it to be just as e... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883054 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:05:00 +0100 2883054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778353&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fhealth-related-statutory-instruments%2F SI 2009 No. 2376. Mental Health, England. Mental Capacity, England. The Mental Health and Mental Capacity (Advocacy) Amendment (England) Regulations 2009 Posted in Legislation, Mental Health, Statutory Instruments Tagged: Advocacy, Ethics, Grey Literature, Legislation, Mental Health, Patient Consent to Treatment (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778353 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:38 +0100 2778353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752047&cid=t_100687_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Finformed-consent-greater-risk-for-practitioners%2F In two recent cases, in Maryland and Wisconsin, proof of medical negligence was not required for the plaintiffs to bring an informed-consent claim. So what does that mean to the average dental practitioner? A lot! We are responsible for providing the appropriate technical information by which our patients make choices, i.e. a root canal or extraction, medicate first or extract the hopeless infected tooth or even an implant or a three unit bridge? These two decisions basically stated that our informing the patient of “appropriate” technical information is not enough and that all alternate, viable medical modes of treatment, including diagnosis, as well as the benefits and risks of such treatments, must be explained. A simple example of this is: do we use lidocaine, mepivacaine or artica... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752047 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:27:02 +0100 2752047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621736&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Fcoercion-and-consent-monitoring-the-mental-health-act-2007%25e2%2580%25932009-the-mental-health-act-commission-thirteenth-biennial-report-2007%25e2%2580%25932009%2F Title: Coercion and consent monitoring the Mental Health Act 2007–2009: The Mental Health Act Commission Thirteenth Biennial Report 2007–2009 The Skinny: Provides an overview of the care provided to people detained under the Act. MHAC found examples of people receiving good care during their visits to services and meetings with patients. But the report also indicates that there is variation across services. Publisher: TSO Published: 19/07/2009 Size of Document: 250p Posted in Mental Health Tagged: Acute Services, Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry, Children, Communication, Community Care, Consumer Participation, Ethnic Groups, Gender, Grey Literature, Information Technology, Internet, Learning Disabilities, Legislation, Mental Capacity, Mental Health, Mobile Telephony, Patient Con... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621736 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:39:44 +0100 2621736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2616674&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Fsafeguarding-adults-report-on-the-consultation-on-the-review-of-no-secrets%2F Title: Safeguarding adults: report on the consultation on the review of No Secrets The Skinny: Report on the consultation on the review of No Secrets. It analyses around 12,00 responses to the consultation and the Government response will be published when this has all been carefully considered. Publisher: DH Published: 16/07/2009 Size of Document: 154p Posted in Clinical Governance, Consent, Governance, Health and Safety, Learning Disabilities, Local Authorities, Mental Health, NHS, Quality, Risk Evaluation, Social Services, Standards, Voluntary Sector, Vulnerable People Tagged: Adults, Grey Literature, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Vulnerable People (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2616674 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:50:42 +0100 2616674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510434&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsynthes-indicted.html Last month, we posted about a legal settlement in which device manufacturer Synthes agreed to stop creating conflicts of interests by paying physicians who performed its trials with company stock. Synthes is back in the news, and not in favorable terms. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer,A Swiss company with major operations in West Chester illegally tested its bone cement on about 200 people, three of whom died, according to a 52-count indictment issued yesterday by the U.S. attorney in Philadelphia.Synthes Inc., a producer of orthopedic products that employs about 1,400 in Chester County, did not tell any of the patients that they were participating in experimental surgeries, the indictment said.Federal prosecutors also accused Synthes executives of lying to the U.S. Food and Drug ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510434 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:45:00 +0100 2510434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2462990&cid=t_100687_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ffull-consent-for-care.html Found on Consent Care . comCame across this website the other day, thought it was fantastic. If only this was available before. It makes surgeon's lives so much easier - and medical liability less of an issue. By the way... I see it was developed by a bunch of surgeons in Cape Town.Long live the UCT clan! (Source: All Scrubbed Up) All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2462990 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:39:00 +0100 2462990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320741&cid=t_100687_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fconsent-for-full-mouth-restoration-patients%2F Tom Hedge, DentalBlogs contributor and tech guru, created this form for YOU to use on full-mouth rehab cases. Simply download it, amend it, and have your patients sign it. Open Bite Consent Form open-bite-consent (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320741 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:34:19 +0100 2320741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182522&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fsilent-psychiatrist.html This morning, I woke up and got ready for work. Time to go and I called to the kid to come. Only nothing came out. Nothing. I felt fine, but I'd lost my voice. Completely, barely a whisper emerged.It was just before 8. Kid announced she felt sick and went back to bed. I fetched the carpool kids (--the issues of what to do about carpoolers when one's own child is sick could be its own entire blog). My first patient was for 9:00 and it seemed like too short notice to cancel. I did croak out cancellation calls to the next couple of patients with the thought that they might have a hard time conducting the session without my input; some people don't come in and just talk spontaneously, they look to me for direction, a little more than I sometime wish and a lot more than my voice could tolerate ... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182522 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:05:00 +0100 2182522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2163645&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2F532604878%2FClinical_Trial_Report.pdf [Courtesy of Alicia Ouellette] The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has handed down a case of major importance in research ethics and international law. The case is Rabi Abdullahi v. Pfizer. The plaintiffs are Nigerian children and their families who were subjected to medical experimentation in Nigeria by drug manufacturer Pfizer. Specifically, the children were among two hundred sick children in Nigeria given the experimental antibiotic Trovan as part of a protocol designed to test the efficacy of Trovan against that of a standard antibiotic treatment. The plaintiffs sought, and won, the right to sue Pfizer in federal court for damages caused by Pfizer's involuntary medical experimentation. The decision is legally significant for its holding that nonconsensual exp... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2163645 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:37:20 +0100 2163645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107718&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fhuman-experiment.html There are things to do about symptomatic distress in addition to medications and therapy. I often encourage people to make themselves their own human experiments. There are a few things we can change easily: we alter our diets, sleep, exercise, and the assorted "substances" we ingest. I sometimes suggest to people that they do 2 week trials and see if something helps. Is your life better if you stop drinking for a couple of weeks, exercise mor or less, give up food additives, decrease the carbs in your diet, cut out or add caffeine? Pick a variable, change it for a time, and see if you feel better.That being said, I've been having some trouble sleeping. I decided I'd take my own advice and change some things. Oh, but you know, I'm an inpatient sort of soul, and I decided to change a few th... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107718 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:13:00 +0100 2107718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074422&cid=t_100687_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Foddity-of-physicians-insistence-that.html By the fourth sentence of the preface to The Silent World of Doctor and Patient, Jay Katz has quietly issued a startling challenge to a fundamental principle of the doctor-patient relationship. He writes: It took time before I appreciated fully the oddity of physicians’ insistence that patients follow doctors’ orders. During my socialization as a physician I had been taught to accept the idea of doctors’ Aesculapian authority over patients. When I began to doubt this authority, that was the moment when the book began to take shape in my mind. “The oddity of physicians’ insistence that patients follow doctors’ orders” – the phrase brings you to an abrupt halt. Jay Katz, who wrote those words in his landmark book published nearly a quarter of a century ago, died in late Novem... Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074422 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:43:00 +0100 2074422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2055818&cid=t_100687_82_f&fid=34667&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaryngoscope.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fconsent.html All surgical procedures must have a consent form signed by the patient before we go back to the OR. Most of the time this is done in clinic before surgery. The doctors describe the risks of the procedure, and weigh them against the benefits. (Sometimes glossing over the risks, in my opinion, but that's a different discussion) With some surgical services this is done the morning of the procedure before they go to the OR. (Usually with the more straight-forward procedures). To assure that we don't miss this there are brightly colored signs at the patient bedside that scream "NO CONSENT"I walk up to the patient and there are these NO CONSENT signs everywhere, so I start flipping through the paperwork after I introduce myself. I see a signed consent form..,I'm surprised a bit, because the surg... i'm so sleepy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2055818 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:42:00 +0100 2055818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021482&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5507 A woman said bosses at a Manchester, England, hospital asked that her deceased father sign a consent form before his death could be investigated. read more | digg story Thank goodness we haven’t seen this level of bureaucratic idiocy in Malaysia yet, or have we? from the Malaysian Medical Resources Hospital Seeks Dead Man’s Consent (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021482 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2021482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1974998&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Flook-whos-in-operating-room.html At an article today entitled "Medtronic Says Device for Spine Faces Probe" (Wall St. Journal, Nov. 19, 2008, subscription required) the WSJ reports another major medical device manufacturer, Medtronic, faces a probe for promoting unapproved uses of its technologies, which is improper:Doctors can deploy FDA-approved drugs and products any way they see fit, but companies aren't permitted to promote off-label applications or to pay doctors inducements to do so."While the law establishes that doctors can prescribe any approved treatment, but off-label promotion by manufacturers is not allowed, there's growing concern that the line is being crossed, and a Justice Department review is the right kind of response to those questions," said Sen. Charles Grassley (R., Iowa) who has been looking into ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1974998 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:19:00 +0100 1974998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1974923&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F19%2Fthe-potential-impact-of-an-opt-out-system-for-organ-donation-in-the-uk-an-independent-report-from-the-organ-donation-taskforce%2F provides an in-depth examination of this complex question. It results from consultation and engagement with academics, health professionals, members of the public, organ recipients, families of donors and faith leaders and the report reflects the wide range of views heard.  Evidence informing the report is available as annexes to the report: Index to annexes Annexes A - N as single document Annex A Organ Donation Taskforce Main Group Annex B Organ Donation Taskforce Working Groups Annex C Legal Working Group report Annex D Ethics Working Group Annex E Clinical Working Group report (with appendices A-D) Annex F Practical Working Group report Annex G An op-out system initial cost analysis Annex H Systematic review of presumed consent systems for deceased organ donation (Centre for Reviews... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1974923 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:25:10 +0100 1974923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943401&cid=t_100687_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQo5i_lhxjCc%2F   Now that accessing your genetic information is cheaper than buying a Google Smartphone, now what? What can you get from it? How can you use it? Just as important, but less asked - how do you protect it? The journal "Nature" joins the debate with a full online issue devoted to the personal genome revolution and its implications. For a fee or for free, you can squeeze more information out of the SNP data or full sequence you got from the commercial genome services you paid for initially. For example, you can get an idea of your risk for a certain disease. With so much information at your fingertips, is everything believable? Should you change your lifestyle because you have one variant for some disease risk? How many "risky" variants does one need anyway? Should y... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943401 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:44:23 +0100 1943401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901310&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F10%2Fbrave-new-britain-you-can-be-cloned.html This is just unbelievable, or better stated given the UK's history in this field, it is all too believable. At the last minute, the Parliament in the UK added a provision to its omnibus embryo bill--that among other things permits human/animal hybrid cloned embryos to be manufactured--that if the bill passes into law as expected, permits the DNA of people to be used to clone embryos without consent. From a column about the story:How would you feel if your DNA were used without your permission to produce cloned human embryos for medical research? Regardless of whether it is right or wrong to experiment on human embryos, creating them would require either giving women high doses of drugs with unknown side effects to produce the large numbers of eggs needed for cloning research, or the placin... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901310 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:19:00 +0100 1901310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883570&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F421456941%2F Three years ago, the FDA required makers of antidepressants to supply Med Guides along with their pills. That wasn’t good enough for a couple of New Jersey moms, who have been pushing their state legislature to go further - a bill requiring a doctor or nurse to obtain informed consent from a minor’s parent before writing a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning. In fact, thanks to their urgings, a bill has been kicking around the state legislature for nearly two years and passed the assembly. However, the state senator who heads the Senate health committee, Joe Vitale, has repeatedly failed to schedule the bill for a vote (here’s the bill and the assembly version). Last fall, he told us the bill would move forward, but it never did. And Vitale ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883570 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:49:50 +0100 1883570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859642&cid=t_100687_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fspeaking-albanian.html To Albany today with my fun-loving primary-care colleagues to advocate for streamlined consent for HIV testing - to make sure all New Yorkers get HIV diagnosis and necessary treatment as early as possible. Everyone was nice and I didn't trip over the furniture. Enjoy our position paper here. Spread the word! (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859642 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:24:00 +0100 1859642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668386&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Flove-me-love-my-tats.html Recently one of our readers wondered what I thought of a study that was recently reported in Scientific American Mind. It was a study that was done in a forensic psychiatric hospital, looking at the correlation between tattoos and a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Briefly, they examined 36 inpatients for the presence or abscence of tattos and then did semi-structured interviews to assess them for antisocial personality disorder. Unsurprisingly, they found that people with tattos were more likely to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and to have histories of substance abuse and suicide attempts.My first thought when I read this report was: "This was a forensic fellows' research project."Psychiatrists in training to be forensic psychiatrists are encouraged to do ... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668386 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:30:00 +0100 1668386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622101&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F14%2Ftreatment-options-for-kids-teens%2F This article describes the process in Indianapolis schools: Confidential mental-health services are available in some Indianapolis schools. Midtown, part of Wishard Health Services, provides services at about 20 Indianapolis Public Schools. “All children who we treat have to have parental consent. We want the family’s input on what it is they want their children to achieve or accomplish in school and in their counseling. So we get everybody involved and then try to build on the students’ strengths so that they can be successful,” Augenbergs said. While well-intentioned, such requirements means that seeking treatment for their concern is not a possibility. For many legitimate reasons, teens don’t always want their parents knowing what’s going on with... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622101 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:45:04 +0100 1622101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513554&cid=t_100687_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2FxI6LJK6EAuM%2Fchapel-hill-tubal-reversal-center-mission-statement.html Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the only medical facility specifically for tubal ligation reversal surgery. We provide the most detailed and accurate information about tubal reversal available from any doctor, hospital, or medical institution. Providing facts rather than offering misleading or speculative statements about tubal reversal success is one mission of our practice. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513554 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:10:43 +0100 2513554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512065&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F12%2Fmental-capacity-act-2005-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-code-of-practice-and-regulations-report-on-consultation%2F details the response to a consultation exercise that took place between September 2007 and December 2007 relating to draft Code of Practice guidance and two sets of draft regulations concerning the deprivation of liberty safeguards introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Mental Health Act 2007. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512065 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:39:10 +0100 1512065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494217&cid=t_100687_113_f&fid=34636&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rodspace.co.uk%2Fblog%2F2008%2F06%2Fdr-paul-thornton-has-made-public-his.html (Source: Informaticopia) Informaticopia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494217 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:40:00 +0100 1494217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1465970&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F24%2Fconsent-patients-and-doctors-making-decisions-together%2F from the GMC is new guidance to doctors on consent which: sets out the key principles of good decision-making, which apply to all decisions about care from simple treatment for minor and self-limiting conditions to major surgery takes account of changes in the law, in particular about making decisions when patients lack capacity reflects the shift in professional and public attitudes towards more patient-centred care contains practical advice on sharing information and discussing treatment options includes guidance on how to approach discussions about risk (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1465970 Sat, 24 May 2008 11:30:11 +0100 1465970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426504&cid=t_100687_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F285259938%2F Following my recent article on ethical guidelines for informed consent in genomic studies, a group of scientists met at the Translating ESLI conference in Cleveland to debate this whole ethical argument. This issue is particularly critical for genome-wide association studies and in establishing and using large biobanks. It was universally acknowledged that consent forms are difficult to read for participants who do not have reading skills beyond middle school or high school, for example. As a result, these paticipants may be unaware of what exactly the research could mean to them. Laura Beskow, a researcher at Duke University’s Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy worked with the Association of American Medical Colleges to start a working group on informed consent issues and what ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426504 Wed, 07 May 2008 09:57:34 +0100 1426504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1373359&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F15%2Fdeprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-implementation-tool%2F The Department of Health has developed an implementation tool (XL spreadsheet) (covering letter) that local Mental Capacity Act implementation networks may wish to use when estimating the number of assessments and staff that are likely to be required in 2009 / 10. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1373359 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:42:32 +0100 1373359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353084&cid=t_100687_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fthirty-six-million-dollar-rectal-exam.html In 2004, while working at a construction site, Brian Persaud was hit in the head by a large wooden plank, lost consciousness, and was taken to the emergency room at New York Presbyterian Hospital. There he received what he says was an unjustified digital rectal exam. Persaud brought suit against the hospital, and soon, four years later, the case will come to trial in the New York State Supreme Court. The arguments in the case are legal, but the underlying issues are also medical and ethical.More at Clinical Correlations, the NYU Internal Medicine blog. (Thanks to D.M. Esq. for a quick legal education.) (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353084 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 02:30:00 +0100 1353084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1303453&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F251477919%2F A controversial New Jersey bill to require informed consent from a minor’s parent before a doc can write a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning was approved overwhelmingly by the state assembly yesterday in a 72-to-3 vote. You can read the bill here. Now, an identical Senate version heads for what may be a fractious debate in the Senate health committee. This a big leap from just three months ago, when the bill appeared to be dead after a year-long fight by a pair of New Jersey moms and their allies, who argue that informed consent is the only way to make sure info is passed from docs to patients. In particular, they’re concerned that side effects, such as suicidal behavior and thoughts, that are linked to antidepressants can be misconstrued as par... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1303453 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:11:49 +0100 1303453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1278312&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F245595792%2F A controversial New Jersey bill to require informed consent from a minor’s parent before a doc can write a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning is picking up steam. An assembly committee yesterday passed the bill - which you can read here - unanimously and now a state senator is poised to introduce a companion version. A spokeswoman for Shirley Turner says the senator plans to ‘drop the bill’ this week. This a turnabout from just three months ago, when the bill appeared to be dead after a year-long fight by a pair of New Jersey moms and their allies, who argue that informed consent is the only way to make sure info is passed from docs to patients. In particular, they’re concerned that side effects, such as suicidal behavior and thou... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1278312 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:17:13 +0100 1278312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1275960&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2Fuk-angel-of-death-convicted-but-what.html A nurse in the UK has been convicted of murdering four frail elderly patients with overdoses of insulin. From the story:Colin Norris, 32, believed he could kill with impunity, claimingfour "frail and helpless" victims within six months by injecting them with lethal doses of insulin.He boasted to hospital colleagues that "someone always died" whenhe was on the night shift and even accurately predicted when one would lapse into a coma.Norris, who had developed a hatred of elderly women in particular, showed no emotion as he was found guilty of four murders at Newcastle Crown Court. He will be sentenced tomorrow.This guy was clearly twisted and deserves every ounce of punishment he receives.But his case got me thinking. In the Netherlands every year doctors lethally inject about 800 (accordin... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1275960 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:30:00 +0100 1275960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1268595&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F243395476%2F Three years ago, the FDA required makers of antidepressants to supply Med Guides along with their pills. That wasn’t good enough for a couple of New Jersey moms, who have been pushing their state legislature to go even further - a bill requiring a doctor or nurse to obtain informed consent from a minor’s parent before writing a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning. Last November, however, it looked like the bill, which had been kicking around a year, was dead after making it to the New Jersey assembly and senate. The state senator who heads the health committee, Joe Vitale, failed to schedule the bill for a vote, citing procedural issues and the need for further study. At the time, he told us the bill would still move forward, but it never did. He ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1268595 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:22:22 +0100 1268595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1250109&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F22%2Fguidance-on-nominating-a-consultee-for-research-involving-adults-who-lack-capacity-to-consent%2F   establishes how to identify an appropriate consultee for the purposes of section 32 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.  Researchers are required by the Act to take reasonable steps to identify a person who, as a result of an existing relationship with the person who lacks capacity, can advise the researcher about that person’s participation in the project. Where no such person can be identified, the Act requires another person who can provide this advice to be appointed in accordance with guidance. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1250109 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:05:34 +0100 1250109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1221295&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F232770073%2Falways-excellent-kaiser-foundations.html The always excellent Kaiser Foundation's Daily Health Report http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm calls attention to a startling new research finding--apparently "most patients... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1221295 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:11:43 +0100 1221295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1213275&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F230550370%2Fsues-post-for-wednesday-im-on-vacation.html According to BBC news, the UK may allow researchers to clone cells from human tissues donated for research purposes ... without the express consent of the donor. Supporters assert that being able to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1213275 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:31:25 +0100 1213275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204683&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F229235581%2Fbiobanking-part-3-returning-research.html So: you've agreed to participate in a genetic study for health purposes, and (with or without your consent--see post #2 on biobanking) the data you've provided has been made available to the broader... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204683 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:21:14 +0100 1204683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187179&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fwhen-is-painkiller-not-painkiller.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187179 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:42:00 +0100 1187179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185819&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Freligion-of-father.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185819 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:14:00 +0100 1185819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1158243&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fnys-supreme-court-case-stirs-ethical.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1158243 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:46:00 +0100 1158243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1909219&cid=t_100687_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F286469510%2Ftubal-ligation-informed-consent.html I received an email message today from a patient that prompted me to write about informed consent for tubal ligation. (See my previous blog about informed consent for tubal reversal.) Here is the message that was sent to me. Hello, Dr. Berger, You performed tubal reversal surgery on me on 10/29/07, and I just found out [...] (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1909219 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:37:16 +0100 1909219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1909238&cid=t_100687_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F380926449%2Ftubal-reversal-informed-consent.html What Is Informed Consent? Informed consent means that a person has access to and understands all relevant information about a medical or surgical treatment necessary to make an informed decision about it. In the case of tubal ligation reversal, informed consent means that a person understands how it the surgery is performed, the alternative treatment of [...] (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1909238 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:36:57 +0100 1909238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1054977&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F191383896%2F Nearly three years ago, the FDA required makers of antidepressants to supply Med Guides along with their pills. That wasn’t good enough for a couple of New Jersey moms, who have been pushing their state legislature to go even further - a bill requiring a doctor or nurse to obtain informed consent from a minor’s parent before writing a prescription for any psychotropic that already carries a Black Box warning. (Here it is) The bill, which has been kicking around for about a year, made it to the state assembly and senate - until last week, when it died a quiet death. The senate health committee failed to list the bill on its schedule this week and for procedural reasons, this means the legislation would have to be re-introduced in another session or it fades from view. The state sen... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054977 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:18:32 +0100 1054977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041286&cid=t_100687_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F21%2Fmental-capacity-act-2005-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards%2F The Mental Health Act 2007 (Explanatory Note), which received Royal Assent in July 2007, as well as amending the Mental Health Act 1983, was used as the vehicle for introducing deprivation of liberty safeguards into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Explanatory Note, Code of Practice).  This briefing sheet sets out information about the deprivation of liberty safeguards. Key Elements are:  People who suffer from a disorder or disability of the mind, such as dementia or a profound learning disability, and who lack the mental capacity to consent to the care or treatment they need, should be cared for in a way that does not limit their rights or freedom of action. In some cases members of this vulnerable group need to be deprived of their liberty for treatment or care because this is necess... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041286 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:34:22 +0100 1041286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1014866&cid=t_100687_90_f&fid=34499&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcalifmedicineman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fherpes-test-in-doctors-office-near-you.html (Source: California Medicine Man) California Medicine Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1014866 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:57:00 +0100 1014866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=994947&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fmandatory-treatment-of-university-of.html This case is already all over the web [starting here], but it has an unusual health care slant which has heretofore not been covered, so....The University of Delaware, a large, state-supported US university, which includes a College of Health Sciences, recently instituted a new "treatment"program for university students, described in the draft of a detailed report. [Following page references are from that report.] (References to the program, also described as a curriculum, as a "treatment" are on page 8, 10, and 14) Subjects will be exposed to educational and behavioral interventions, the latter described in one document as that which will "leave a mental footprint on their consciousness." An example of one behavioral intervention requires subjects to line up, then step forward or backwa... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=994947 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:24:00 +0100 994947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=845903&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F152969671%2F A few weeks ago, a long-awaited study known as the Victor trial was published in The New England Journal of Medicine about Vioxx and colorectal cancer. The findings were contentious, however, because they suggested the painkiller may have caused heart attacks far sooner than Merck indicated. And buried in the methodology section was something else of interest. The authors, led by Oxford University’s David Kerr, wrote that paperwork given trial participants was “amended twice to reflect evolving data on the possible adverse cardiovascular effects” associated with Vioxx. The statement apparently refers to the ongoing debate over Vioxx and heart risks, which took place while the trial was conducted between 2002 and September 2004, when Vioxx was withdrawn. However, the patie... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=845903 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:32:18 +0100 845903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=775570&cid=t_100687_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F140027970%2F $500 million later, the drugmaker is finally free of the shackles of the US Attorney. In a brief statement this afternoon, Fred Hassan announced the May 20, 2002, consent decree was dissolved, following a petition filed in federal court. The decree, a legacy of former ceo Dick Kogan, involved numerous violations of FDA Good Manufacturing Practices at facilites in New Jersey and Puerto Rico, where dozens of meds are made. The problems cast a dark cloud over Schering-Plough, which was struggling with ways to replace revenue lost to generic Claritin, and hastened the end of Kogan’s stormy tenure. The dissolution, which Fred called an “important milestone,” isn’t surprising, though. In January 2006, the drugmaker announced it had completed all 212 significant steps an... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=775570 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:07:35 +0100 775570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=489980&cid=t_100687_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F21%2Fthought-for-the-day-headed-for-melanoma%2F Filed under: Skin Cancer, Research, Daily news, Thought for the DayOh no. I think I 'm headed for melanoma. At the very least, I seem to have a very high risk for developing the disease, thanks to my once-stubborn pursuit of a silly tan.Think about this:A review of seven different studies concludes that using a tanning bed under the age of 35 -- I'm so guilty -- can increase the risk of melanoma by 75 percent. Even those who have ever used indoor tanning were 15 percent more likely to develop the disease.We're talking the deadliest form of skin cancer here. So deadly some experts are recommending strong measures to restrict the use of tanning beds by young people. Adults should be discouraged from tanning, some say, but access should be limited for those under the age of 18. New Jersey alr... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=489980 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 489980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=505071&cid=t_100687_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Finformed-consent-notes-for-talk-mr.html Informed consentNotes for a talkMr. C. is a 55-year-old Spanish speaking man with abdominal pain that has migrated from the epigastrium to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. You are asked to “consent” him for a CT scan of the abdomen. Your Spanish is good enough to talk to him, but Mr. C. does not ask any questions, even when you repeatedly press him on the matter. He keeps saying, “Whatever you say, doctor.”More here. (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=505071 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 505071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464812&cid=t_100687_111_f&fid=34711&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmillinersdream.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fdear-shamhat.html In response to Shamhat's comment, on this post:Dear Shamhat,Since in this context I am teaching in a hospital, where the women have already usually chosen hospital birth--and often, with an OB--I am referring to their choice between medicated and unmedicated labor.I insist on teaching all their options--and am fortunate at this hospital that I am "allowed." Many hospitals, including another local one, teach: "This is our facility, and this is how you give birth..." If the day came when I was told I could not teach all options in that hospital setting, I would resign. And, by teaching all options, I believe in some cases I am able to present some in my classes with the options and tools to go unmedicated. It's a seemingly forgone conlclusion that most want/will have/plan epidurals now. By s... Milliner's Dream blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464812 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:30:00 +0100 464812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=470310&cid=t_100687_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fmy-three-shrinks-podcast-4-gifts_01.html Today's podcast was recorded at the same time as #3 (Wii Three Bobo Dolls), and is much more rambling than usual (though we actually did have a list of topics, many of which were related to other bloggers' recent posts). I edited out Dinah's recording of the Red Sox' 2004 victory, but I'll put it in the next one if folks want to hear it (it's on her keychain). December 31, 2006: Gifts Topics include: Informed consent and emergencies: New Jersey Supreme Court may require consent before providing emergency procedures (American Medical News) Doctor Anonymous' 6-month anniversary: Dr A celebrated 6 months of blogging on Dec 18. (That's twice as long as the average blog lasts.) Congrats! Fat Doctor on gift-giving grief (or, Why she kinda hates Christmas) What to get your psychiatrist Bad gifts... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=470310 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:12:00 +0100 470310