1
|
Abondio P, Bruno F, Passarino G, Montesanto A, Luiselli D. Pangenomics: A new era in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102180. [PMID: 38163518 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A pangenome is composed of all the genetic variability of a group of individuals, and its application to the study of neurodegenerative diseases may provide valuable insights into the underlying aspects of genetic heterogenetiy for these complex ailments, including gene expression, epigenetics, and translation mechanisms. Furthermore, a reference pangenome allows for the identification of previously undetected structural commonalities and differences among individuals, which may help in the diagnosis of a disease, support the prediction of what will happen over time (prognosis) and aid in developing novel treatments in the perspective of personalized medicine. Therefore, in the present review, the application of the pangenome concept to the study of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed and analyzed for its potential to enable an improvement in diagnosis and prognosis for these illnesses, leading to the development of tailored treatments for individual patients from the knowledge of the genomic composition of a whole population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Abondio
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy; Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Di Catanzaro, Viale A. Perugini, 88046 Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy; Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stirland LE, Ayele BA, Correa-Lopera C, Sturm VE. Authenticity and brain health: a values-based perspective and cultural education approach. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1206142. [PMID: 37592945 PMCID: PMC10432154 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1206142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This perspective paper discusses the concept of authenticity in relation to brain health and neurodegenerative diseases. We define authenticity as being true to oneself and consider it a social value of relevance to neuroscientists, clinicians, and caregivers. From a biological perspective, behaviors that can be interpreted as expressions of authenticity are produced by distributed brain networks. By understanding it as a dynamic process, we argue that harnessing authenticity across the lifespan can be protective by promoting resilience. We discuss the idea of authentic aging, which appreciates the complexity of human life within the world and can enhance positive views of later life. Authenticity is additionally applicable to caring for people with neurodegenerative diseases, both when understanding the behavior of people with dementia and the response of caregivers. Tailoring care to an individual's personality and strengths may improve their brain health. Finally, we describe an interdisciplinary learning event, themed around masks, designed to engage participants in identifying authenticity in their own work. For scientists, care professionals, and caregivers, reflecting upon authenticity can aid understanding of the person with dementia and therefore improve care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E. Stirland
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Biniyam A. Ayele
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Virginia E. Sturm
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ng DQ, Chan D, Acharya MM, Grill JD, Chan A. Research Attitude and Interest among Cancer Survivors with or without Cognitive Impairment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3409. [PMID: 37444519 PMCID: PMC10340755 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the research attitudes and willingness to participate in clinical research among cancer survivors with varying degrees of cognitive function. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data collected through the University of California Irvine Consent-to-Contact registry. Cancer survivors completed the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ), and willingness to participate (WTP) in certain research procedures. Perceived cognitive impairment (CI) was defined as the worst 20% CFI scores. RESULTS Here, 265 CI and 909 cognitively non-impaired (CNI) participants' data were analyzed. Mean age and sex distribution were similar, with fewer non-Hispanic Whites and education years among CI participants. More CI participants self-reported past diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse (all p < 0.05). CI participants were significantly more interested in studies investigating approved medications (92% vs. 87%, p = 0.030), lumbar puncture (47% vs. 38%, p = 0.027), and autopsy (78% vs. 69%, p = 0.022). After removing survivors with co-existing neuropsychiatric conditions, interest in autopsy studies remained statistically higher among CI (79% vs. 69%, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS Participants with cancer and CI are open to research procedures and interventions that are traditionally less utilized, which may facilitate the discovery of the pathogenesis and interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daniella Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Munjal M. Acharya
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joshua D. Grill
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shapiro LN, Gray MF, Freitag C, Taneja P, Kariya H, Crane PK, O'Hare AM, Vig EK, Taylor JS. Expanding the ethnographic toolkit: Using medical documents to include kinless older adults living with dementia in qualitative research. J Aging Stud 2023; 65:101140. [PMID: 37268383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ethnographic research with cognitively impaired older adults can be challenging, in part because cognitive impairment raises questions about the ability to provide informed consent. Relying on proxy consent is a commonly used strategy, but often excludes people with dementia who lack close kin (de Medeiros, Girling, & Berlinger, 2022). In this paper, we describe how we have analyzed existing research data from a well-established and ongoing prospective cohort study, the Adult Changes in Thought Study, along with unstructured text from the medical records of participants who had no living spouse or adult children when they developed dementia, as a way of studying the circumstances, life trajectories, caregiving resources, and care needs of this vulnerable and difficult-to-research group. In this article, we detail this methodology, exploring what can and cannot be gleaned from it, what the ethical implications may be, and how and whether this type of research can be considered ethnographic. In conclusion, we argue that collaborative interdisciplinary research using existing, longitudinal research data and text from medical records deserves to be considered as a potentially useful addition to the ethnographic toolkit. We anticipate that this is a methodology that could be applied more broadly, and paired with more traditional ethnographic methods, might be one way to make research with this population more inclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily N Shapiro
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann M O'Hare
- University of Washington and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Vig
- University of Washington and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harzheim L, Lorke M, Rostamzadeh A, Jessen F, Woopen C, Jünger S. The Promotion of Health Literacy. GEROPSYCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1024/1662-9647/a000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Abstract: Progress in predictive medicine has increased the challenges to navigating complex risk information for patients and healthcare professionals. This contribution investigates how people facing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia perceive risk, what aspects are relevant to their health literacy, and how to promote individual health literacy in predictive medicine. We conducted a qualitative study analyzing narrative interviews, body maps, and sociodemographic data from persons who had undergone early predictive procedures in a memory clinic. We understand the promotion of health literacy as an ethical task in predictive medicine and argue for (1) emphasizing personal resources to promote subjective health literacy, (2) reframing communication and decision-making about disease risk, and (3) teaching skills for value-sensitive, individualized risk communication.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mozersky J, Solomon ED, Baldwin K, Wroblewski M, Parsons M, Goodman M, DuBois JM. Barriers to Using Legally Authorized Representatives in Clinical Research with Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:135-149. [PMID: 36891257 PMCID: PMC9986706 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Older adults are at increased risk of cognitive impairments including Alzheimer's disease dementia. Legally authorized representatives (LARs) can provide informed consent when a participant is no longer able to, but little is known about barriers to incorporating them in research. Objective Explore reasons for not asking and documenting participant decisions to appoint LARs among researchers conducting clinical intervention trials studying older adults or individuals with cognitive impairments. Methods Mixed method design consisting of a survey (N = 1,284) and qualitative interviews (N = 40) regarding barriers to incorporating LARs. Participants were principal investigators and clinical research coordinators. Results 37% (N = 469) had not asked and documented participant decisions about appointing LARs in the prior year. They had significantly lower confidence in resources available to incorporate LARs and lower positive attitudes compared to their counterparts who had done so. The majority (83%) had no trials studying individuals with cognitive impairments and reported LARs were not applicable. A minority (17%) had at least one trial studying individuals with cognitive impairments and reported being unaware of LARs. Qualitative findings indicate discomfort broaching a sensitive topic especially with individuals who are not yet impaired. Conclusion Resources and education to increase awareness and knowledge of LARs are needed. Researchers studying older adults should, at minimum, have the knowledge and resources to incorporate LARs when necessary. Stigma and discomfort discussing LARs will need to be overcome, as early proactive discussions before a participant loses decisional capacity could enhance participant autonomy and facilitate recruitment and retention of older adults to research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mozersky
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Erin D Solomon
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kari Baldwin
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew Wroblewski
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Meredith Parsons
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melody Goodman
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - James M DuBois
- Bioethics Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Decisional capacity to consent to treatment and research in patients affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:529-542. [PMID: 33583459 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220004056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform a meta-analysis of clinical studies on the differences in treatment or research decision-making capacity among patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and healthy comparisons (HCs). DESIGN A systematic search was conducted on Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Standardized mean differences and random-effects model were used in all cases. SETTING The United States, France, Japan, and China. PARTICIPANTS Four hundred and ten patients with MCI, 149 with AD, and 368 HCs were included. MEASUREMENTS The studies we included in the analysis assessed decisional capacity to consent by the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MAcCAT-T), MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR), Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument (CCTI), and University of California Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC). RESULTS We identified 109 potentially eligible studies from 1672 records, and 7 papers were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that there was significant impairment in a decision-making capacity in MCI patients compared to the HCs group in terms of Understanding (SMD = -1.04, 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.77, P < 0.001; I2 = 52%, P = 0.07), Appreciation (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.36, P < 0.001; I2 = 0%, P = 0.97), and Reasoning (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI: -0.77, -0.47, P < 0.001; I2=0%, P =0.46). MCI patients scored significantly higher in Understanding (SMD = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.09, P = 0.01, I2 = 78%, P = 0.00001) compared to patients affected by AD. CONCLUSIONS Patients affected by MCI are at higher risk of impaired capacity to consent to treatment and research compared to HCs, despite being at lower risk compared to patients affected by AD. Clinicians and researchers need to carefully evaluate decisional capacity in MCI patients providing informed consent.
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Li M, Kim H, Sereika SM, Nissley TJ, Lingler JH. Willingness to Participate in Clinical Research Among Individuals With Cognitive Impairment. Res Gerontol Nurs 2022; 15:76-84. [PMID: 35148207 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20220131-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This secondary analysis examined (1) factors associated with willingness to participate in clinical research for cognitive health among individuals with cognitive impairment and their care partners, and (2) concordance regarding such willingness between individuals with cognitive impairment and their care partners (dyads). Neuropsychological factors and willingness to participate in clinical research were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Participants' sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted from the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center record. Binary logistic regression and Cohen's kappa coefficient analyses were performed. Greater trust in medical researchers (p = 0.031, B = 0.127) and more severe cognitive impairment (p = 0.009, B = -0.289) were associated with willingness to participate in clinical research among individuals with cognitive impairment. Dyadic agreement on willingness to have the individual with cognitive impairment enroll in clinical research was poor to fair (κ = 0.380). Findings suggest that individuals with cognitive impairment with greater trust in health professionals are more likely to agree to clinical research participation. Nurses and other health care providers who counsel individuals with cognitive impairment and their care partners should work to build trusting relationships with participants and be mindful of how increased trust can alter power dynamics between participants and health care professionals. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].
Collapse
|
10
|
Garcia-Romeu A, Darcy S, Jackson H, White T, Rosenberg P. Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease: Rationale and Potential Mechanisms. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 56:287-317. [PMID: 34734390 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist "classic psychedelics" are drawing increasing interest as potential mental health treatments. Recent work suggests psychedelics can exert persisting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects lasting up to several months after a single administration. Data indicate acute subjective drug effects as important psychological factors involved in observed therapeutic benefits. Additionally, animal models have shown an important role for 5-HT2AR agonists in modulating learning and memory function with relevance for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. A number of biological mechanisms of action are under investigation to elucidate 5-HT2AR agonists' therapeutic potential, including enhanced neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and alterations in brain functional connectivity. These diverse lines of research are reviewed here along with a discussion of AD pathophysiology and neuropsychiatric symptoms to highlight classic psychedelics as potential novel pharmacotherapies for patients with AD. Human clinical research suggests a possible role for high-dose psychedelic administration in symptomatic treatment of depressed mood and anxiety in early-stage AD. Preclinical data indicate a potential for low- or high-dose psychedelic treatment regimens to slow or reverse brain atrophy, enhance cognitive function, and slow progression of AD. In conclusion, rationale and potential approaches for preliminary research with psychedelics in patients with AD are presented, and ramifications of this line of investigation for development of novel AD treatments are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sean Darcy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hillary Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Toni White
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Walsh SC, Murphy E, Devane D, Sampson EL, Connolly S, Carney P, O'Shea E. Palliative care interventions in advanced dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 9:CD011513. [PMID: 34582034 PMCID: PMC8478014 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011513.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease. Advanced dementia is characterised by profound cognitive impairment, inability to communicate verbally and complete functional dependence. Usual care of people with advanced dementia is not underpinned universally by a palliative approach. Palliative care has focused traditionally on care of people with cancer, but for more than a decade, there have been calls worldwide to extend palliative care services to include all people with life-limiting illnesses in need of specialist care, including people with dementia. This review is an updated version of a review first published in 2016. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of palliative care interventions in advanced dementia. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register on 7 October 2020. ALOIS contains records of clinical trials identified from monthly searches of several major healthcare databases, trial registries and grey literature sources. We ran additional searches across MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), four other databases and two trial registries on 7 October 2020 to ensure that the searches were as comprehensive and as up-to-date as possible. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (nRCTs), controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series studies evaluating the impact of palliative care interventions for adults with advanced dementia of any type. Participants could be people with advanced dementia, their family members, clinicians or paid care staff. We included clinical interventions and non-clinical interventions. Comparators were usual care or another palliative care intervention. We did not exclude studies based on outcomes measured. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors (SW, EM, PC) independently assessed all potential studies identified in the search against the review inclusion criteria. Two authors independently extracted data from eligible studies. Where appropriate, we estimated pooled treatment effects in a fixed-effect meta-analysis. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS Nine studies (2122 participants) met the review inclusion criteria. Two studies were individually-randomised RCTs, six were cluster-randomised RCTs and one was a controlled before-and-after study. We conducted two separate comparisons: organisation and delivery of care interventions versus usual care (six studies, 1162 participants) and advance care planning interventions versus usual care (three studies, 960 participants). Two studies were carried out in acute hospitals and seven in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. For both comparisons, we found the included studies to be sufficiently similar to conduct meta-analyses. Changes to the organisation and delivery of care for people with advanced dementia may increase comfort in dying (MD 1.49, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.64; 5 studies, 335 participants; very low certainty evidence). However, the evidence is very uncertain and unlikely to be clinically significant. These changes may also increase the likelihood of having a palliative care plan in place (RR 5.84, 95% CI 1.37 to 25.02; 1 study, 99 participants; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence), but again the evidence is very uncertain. Such interventions probably have little effect on the use of non-palliative interventions (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.72; 2 studies, 292 participants; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). They may also have little or no effect on documentation of advance directives (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.50 to 4.25; 2 studies, 112 participants; I2 = 52%; very low certainty evidence), or whether discussions take place about advance care planning (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18; 1 study, 193 participants; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence) and goals of care (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.54; 1 study, 13 participants; I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence). No included studies assessed adverse effects. Advance care planning interventions for people with advanced dementia probably increase the documentation of advance directives (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.41; 2 studies, 384; moderate certainty evidence) and the number of discussions about goals of care (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.59; 2 studies, 384 participants; moderate certainty evidence). They may also slightly increase concordance with goals of care (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.79; 1 study, 63 participants; low certainty evidence). On the other hand, they may have little or no effect on perceived symptom management (MD -1.80, 95% CI -6.49 to 2.89; 1 study, 67 participants; very low certainty evidence) or whether advance care planning discussions occur (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.24; 1 study, 67 participants; low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence on palliative care interventions in advanced dementia is limited in quantity and certainty. When compared to usual care, changes to the organisation and delivery of care for people with advanced dementia may lead to improvements in comfort in dying, but the evidence for this was of very low certainty. Advance care planning interventions, compared to usual care, probably increase the documentation of advance directives and the occurrence of discussions about goals of care, and may also increase concordance with goals of care. We did not detect other effects. The uncertainty in the evidence across all outcomes in both comparisons is mainly driven by imprecision of effect estimates and risk of bias in the included studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C Walsh
- Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Edel Murphy
- PPI Ignite Programme, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Patricia Carney
- Department of Public Health HSE Midlands, Health Service Executive, Tullamore, Ireland
| | - Eamon O'Shea
- School of Business and Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fakhro MA. Geriatricians’ standpoint of the informed consent process among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1930711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ali Fakhro
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Physical Therapy, Lebanese German University, Jounieh, Keserwan, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cannovo N, Scendoni R, Fede MM, Siotto F, Fedeli P, Cingolani M. Nursing Home and Vaccination Consent: The Italian Perspective. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050429. [PMID: 33923367 PMCID: PMC8145437 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries have begun vaccination campaigns, with different methods and timelines, with the goal of vaccinating over 75% of the population and thus achieving herd immunity. Initially it was necessary to identity the categories of citizens who should be the first to receive the vaccines, on the basis of scientific evidence. On the basis of this information, elderly residents in nursing homes and the staff who care for them should be the highest priority subjects for vaccination. In this context, obtaining informed consent to Covid-19 vaccination presents a considerable challenge, as the advanced age and frequent comorbidities of a significant number of the residents may mean that they are incapable of expressing consent themselves. The legislation of various Western nations substantially agrees on the general principle that those capable of judgement must be asked for their consent for healthcare services, and that even those with psychological weaknesses that limit their full ability to decide must be involved in these decision-making processes. The article can help systematize the processes to be implemented to protect the health of individuals as members of a close and fragile community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Cannovo
- Federico II University Ethics Committee, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberto Scendoni
- Law Department, Legal Medicine Section, Macerata University, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (R.S.); (M.M.F.)
| | - Marzia Maria Fede
- Law Department, Legal Medicine Section, Macerata University, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (R.S.); (M.M.F.)
| | - Federico Siotto
- School of Law, Labour Law, Camerino University, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Piergiorgio Fedeli
- School of Law, Legal Medicine, Camerino University, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Mariano Cingolani
- Law Department, Legal Medicine Section, Macerata University, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (R.S.); (M.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Götzelmann TG, Strech D, Kahrass H. The full spectrum of ethical issues in dementia research: findings of a systematic qualitative review. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:32. [PMID: 33771131 PMCID: PMC8004446 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When including participants with dementia in research, various ethical issues arise. At present, there are only a few existing dementia-specific research guidelines (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use in Clinical investigation of medicines for the treatment Alzheimer's disease (Internet). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/clinical-investigation-medicines-treatment-alzheimers-disease ; Food and Drug Administration, Early Alzheimer's Disease: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry [Internet]. http://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/alzheimers-disease-developing-drugs-treatment-guidance-industy ), necessitating a more systematic and comprehensive approach to this topic to help researchers and stakeholders address dementia-specific ethical issues in research. A systematic literature review provides information on the ethical issues in dementia-related research and might therefore serve as a basis to improve the ethical conduct of this research. This systematic review aims to provide a broad and unbiased overview of ethical issues in dementia research by reviewing, analysing, and coding the latest literature on the topic. METHODS We conducted a systematic review in PubMed and Google Scholar (publications in English between 2007 and 2020, no restrictions on the type of publication) of literature on research ethics in dementia research. Ethical issues in research were identified by qualitative text analysis and normative analysis. RESULTS The literature review retrieved 110 references that together mentioned 105 ethical issues in dementia research. This set of ethical issues was structured into a matrix based on the eight major principles from a pre-existing framework on biomedical ethics (Emanuel et al. An Ethical Framework for Biomedical Research. in The Oxford textbook of clinical research ethics, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008). Consequently, subcategories were created and further categorized into dementia stages and study phases. CONCLUSIONS The systematically derived matrix helps raise awareness and understanding of the complex topic of ethical issues in dementia research. The matrix can be used as a basis for researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders when planning, conducting and monitoring research, making decisions on the legal background of the topic, and creating research practice guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim G Götzelmann
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy in Medicine, OE 5450, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Daniel Strech
- QUEST Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Kahrass
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy in Medicine, OE 5450, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Expanding technology for engagement in dementia while ensuring equity, interoperability, and privacy. Int Psychogeriatr 2020; 32:893-895. [PMID: 32933603 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610219001674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
16
|
Whole Person, Whole Journey: Developing a Person-Centred Regional Dementia Strategy. Can J Aging 2020; 40:436-450. [DOI: 10.1017/s071498082000015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTWe present the development of a regional dementia strategy in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. We worked with stakeholders in a regional health authority to develop a dementia strategy. We conducted interviews with persons with dementia and their care partners (n = 26) and health care administrators and policy makers (n = 33); and administered a priority-setting survey (n = 64). Both participant groups identified provider compassion, professionalism, and care in the early stages of dementia as system strengths. Both groups also highlighted a need for more integration and coordination, a need for more person-centred care, support for care partners, and more flexibility in the provision and receipt of services. The highest-ranked priorities were improving care partner support, improving access to care, and improving system-wide quality. We integrate these strengths, needs, and priorities in a strategic framework, “Whole Person, Whole Journey”. Organizations developing a dementia strategy may use this framework as a springboard for their own work.
Collapse
|
17
|
Suver CM, Hamann JK, Chin EM, Goldstein FC, Blazel HM, Manzanares CM, Doerr MJ, Asthana SJ, Mangravite LM, Levey AI, Lah JJ, Edwards DF. Informed Consent in Two Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers: Insights From Research Coordinators. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2020; 11:114-124. [PMID: 32175821 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2020.1737982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: Informed consent (IC) is critical to performing ethical research. Unfortunately, the IC process and supporting IC forms are frequently burdensome and do not necessarily meet the informational needs of participants. The intersecting legal and ethical challenges of obtaining IC from individuals with memory or cognitive deficits further exacerbate existing IC shortcomings. For this reason, study coordinators play a critical role in facilitating the IC process in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. To identify opportunities to improve how IC is obtained in AD research, we examined the IC process from the perspectives of study coordinators at two Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC). Methods: We performed semi-structured interviews with 15 study coordinators from two ADRC sites detailing their experience obtaining IC. Interviews were conducted in private, recorded, transcribed, and independently coded using the constant comparative method of grounded theory. Key themes were explored as they emerged. Results: Coordinators reported overall satisfaction with the IC process. However, many reported difficulties maintaining participant attention, explaining complex procedures, and addressing medical misinformation. Although the centers use site-specific consent forms, coordinators at both centers stressed that their IC is too long and the supporting IC forms are too complicated. Coordinators indicated modifying the IC process to the perceived needs of individual participants. Adaptations reported include altering the cadence and vocabulary they employ, using supplemental materials, varying the order of IC topics, and limiting the depth of information presented. Conclusion: A qualitative analysis of interviews with study coordinators reveals opportunities to improve how we obtain IC in AD research. These insights will be used to create an electronic informed consent (eConsent) designed to boost engagement, enhance trust, and improve understanding by supporting participants' direct agency in the IC process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin M Chin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Felicia C Goldstein
- Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanna M Blazel
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Sanjay J Asthana
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Allan I Levey
- Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James J Lah
- Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dorothy F Edwards
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shepherd V, Griffith R, Hood K, Sheehan M, Wood F. 'There's more to life than money and health': Family caregivers' views on the role of Power of Attorney in proxy decisions about research participation for people living with dementia. DEMENTIA 2019; 20:308-325. [PMID: 31653184 DOI: 10.1177/1471301219884426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
People living with dementia may experience difficulties when making decisions for themselves in the later stages of the condition. While there are mechanisms in England and Wales for appointing an attorney to make decisions about welfare and finances on their behalf, there are no provisions for appointing an attorney to make future decisions about research participation. This is despite a growing focus on Advanced Care Planning and other processes that provide opportunities to discuss future preferences and ensure that decisions are made in line with those preferences. This qualitative study with 15 family caregivers who had acted as research proxies explored the role of Power of Attorney in their decisions about research, and their views about extending current legal arrangements to include research. Five themes were identified: the holistic nature of decision-making; the 'power' of attorney; making decisions by putting yourself in their shoes; support for bringing research under the umbrella of attorney arrangements and a unifying theme of trusting relationships. Legal provisions for prospectively appointing a research proxy may encourage discussion about future wishes and so enable decisions about research to be made that are in accordance with the person's preferences and wishes. However, further consultation with the public including people living with dementia and their families, and a range of stakeholders is needed. Providing guidance to families, people living with dementia and the wider research community may provide greater clarity and improve decision-making in the meantime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Shepherd
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Richard Griffith
- College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Fiona Wood
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
McCausland BMS, Patel HP, Amin J, Baldwin DS, Loughran K, Osman-Hicks VC. A systematic review of specialist inpatient dementia care services versus standard inpatient dementia care in acute hospitals. Aging Clin Exp Res 2019; 31:595-610. [PMID: 30259497 PMCID: PMC6491402 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-018-1021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist inpatient dementia units (SIDU) have been developed to address adverse outcomes often experienced by people living with dementia admitted to acute hospitals. However, the evidence base of their effectiveness remains limited. AIM To review the current literature to establish the comparative effectiveness of acute hospital SIDU vs. standard ward care (SWC). METHODS We did an online search of 12 biomedical databases from inception to 31st October 2017. Studies of inpatients with any form of dementia in acute hospitals, published in English language peer-reviewed journals, using experimental, observational or qualitative study designs, comparing SIDU with SWC and which measured any qualitative or quantitative outcome of the patient or carer experience were included in the search criteria. We used a standardised data extraction and appraisal form. RESULTS Three of 46 full-text studies evaluated were suitable for analysis. Due to study heterogeneity, pooled odds ratios were only possible for mortality [OR 1.06 (CI 1.0-1.4)]. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis was performed. Although quantitative measures of length of stay, mortality and behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia are not significantly lower, SIDU are associated with greater patient and carer satisfaction, reduced readmission rates, more accurate and comprehensive assessment processes, documentation of resuscitation decisions, and increased rates of discharge to the patient's own home. CONCLUSIONS Although SIDU may be associated with improved care outcomes, the current evidence of their effectiveness is markedly limited. Further research and service evaluation of SIDU as a method for providing high-quality dementia care in acute NHS Trusts is needed. PROSPERO CRD42017078364.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B M S McCausland
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine (Clinical and Experimental Sciences), University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - H P Patel
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Medicine for Older People, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - J Amin
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine (Clinical and Experimental Sciences), University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - D S Baldwin
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine (Clinical and Experimental Sciences), University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - K Loughran
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine (Clinical and Experimental Sciences), University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - V C Osman-Hicks
- University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine (Clinical and Experimental Sciences), University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Miller DG, Dresser R, Kim SYH. Advance euthanasia directives: a controversial case and its ethical implications. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2019; 45:84-89. [PMID: 29502099 PMCID: PMC6120810 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2017-104644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Authorising euthanasia and assisted suicide with advance euthanasia directives (AEDs) is permitted, yet debated, in the Netherlands. We focus on a recent controversial case in which a Dutch woman with Alzheimer's disease was euthanised based on her AED. A Dutch euthanasia review committee found that the physician performing the euthanasia failed to follow due care requirements for euthanasia and assisted suicide. This case is notable because it is the first case to trigger a criminal investigation since the 2002 Dutch euthanasia law was enacted. Thus far, only brief descriptions of the case have been reported in English language journals and media. We provide a detailed description of the case, review the main challenges of preparing and applying AEDs for persons with dementia and briefly assess the adequacy of the current oversight system governing AEDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Gibbes Miller
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Dresser
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- School of Law, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kim SYH, Miller DG, Dresser R. Response to: 'Dementia and advance directives: some empirical and normative concerns' by Jongsma et al. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2019; 45:95-96. [PMID: 30082374 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2018-105031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Gibbes Miller
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Dresser
- Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beattie E, O’Reilly M, Fetherstonhaugh D, McMaster M, Moyle W, Fielding E. Supporting autonomy of nursing home residents with dementia in the informed consent process. DEMENTIA 2018; 18:2821-2835. [DOI: 10.1177/1471301218761240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background In studies involving people with dementia, researchers have historically defaulted to seeking consent from a proxy, the assumption being that people with dementia are unable to provide their own informed consent. This choice denies people with dementia a voice in the consent process, thus disregarding their autonomy and agency. Recently, other options for improving the consent process have been explored. Objective This study aimed to determine whether nursing home residents with dementia could demonstrate an ability to provide their own informed consent as determined by the Evaluation to Sign Consent instrument. Methods As part of a larger study on the quality of life of nursing home residents, the Evaluation to Sign Consent was administered to 392 people diagnosed with dementia. Data on demographic variables, such as gender and age, as well as level of cognitive impairment, were also collected. Results Just over one-fifth (22%) of the residents with dementia were judged as having the capacity to provide their own informed consent to participate in this specific research project. Consistent with existing literature, capacity to consent was significantly, and negatively, associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusion This study demonstrates that assuming all people diagnosed with dementia are unable to provide informed consent for research on the basis of cognitive test scores, or on clinical assessment alone, potentially denies them the autonomy to make a decision that they may be capable of making. Research involving people with mild-to-moderate dementia needs to consider evaluating whether potential participants have the capacity to provide their own consent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Beattie
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maria O’Reilly
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Occupational Therapy, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, Australia
| | | | - Mitchell McMaster
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elaine Fielding
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dickert NW, Eyal N, Goldkind SF, Grady C, Joffe S, Lo B, Miller FG, Pentz RD, Silbergleit R, Weinfurt KP, Wendler D, Kim SYH. Reframing Consent for Clinical Research: A Function-Based Approach. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2017; 17:3-11. [PMID: 29148951 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2017.1388448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although informed consent is important in clinical research, questions persist regarding when it is necessary, what it requires, and how it should be obtained. The standard view in research ethics is that the function of informed consent is to respect individual autonomy. However, consent processes are multidimensional and serve other ethical functions as well. These functions deserve particular attention when barriers to consent exist. We argue that consent serves seven ethically important and conceptually distinct functions. The first four functions pertain principally to individual participants: (1) providing transparency; (2) allowing control and authorization; (3) promoting concordance with participants' values; and (4) protecting and promoting welfare interests. Three other functions are systemic or policy focused: (5) promoting trust; (6) satisfying regulatory requirements; and (7) promoting integrity in research. Reframing consent around these functions can guide approaches to consent that are context sensitive and that maximize achievable goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nir Eyal
- b Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Guarino PD, Vertrees JE, Asthana S, Sano M, Llorente MD, Pallaki M, Love S, Schellenberg GD, Dysken MW. Measuring informed consent capacity in an Alzheimer's disease clinical trial. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2016; 2:258-266. [PMID: 29067313 PMCID: PMC5651363 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accurately and efficiently determining a participant's capacity to consent to research is critically important to protect the rights of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Understanding of the informed consent document was assessed in 613 community-dwelling patients with mild-to-moderate AD enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Associations were examined between clinically determined capacity to consent and (1) patient demographics and clinical characteristics and (2) the Informed Consent Questionnaire (ICQ), an objective measurement of a participant's factual understanding and perceived understanding. RESULTS A total of 453 (74%) participants were determined to have capacity to consent by clinical judgment. ICQ perceived understanding, race, measures of cognitive function, and caregiver time were all significantly associated with the determination of capacity in multivariate analyses. DISCUSSION We found a significant association between capacity and disease severity level, caregiver time, race, and ICQ perceived understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Guarino
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention (SCHARP), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia E Vertrees
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mary Sano
- Bronx Veterans Medical Research Center, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria D Llorente
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Muralidhar Pallaki
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Susan Love
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Doernberg SN, Peteet JR, Kim SYH. Capacity Evaluations of Psychiatric Patients Requesting Assisted Death in the Netherlands. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2016; 57:556-565. [PMID: 27590345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS) of psychiatric patients is legal in some countries but remains controversial. OBJECTIVE This study examined a frequently raised concern about the practice: how physicians address the issue of decision-making capacity of persons requesting psychiatric EAS. METHODS A review of psychiatric EAS case summaries published by the Dutch Regional Euthanasia Review Committees. Directed content analysis using a capacity-specific 4 abilities model (understanding of facts, applying those facts to self, weighing/reasoning, and evidencing choice) was used to code texts discussing capacity. A total of 66 cases from 2011-2014 were reviewed. RESULTS In 55% (36 of 66) of cases, the capacity-specific discussion consisted of only global judgments of patients' capacity, even in patients with psychotic disorders. Further, 32% (21 of 66) of cases included evidentiary statements regarding capacity-specific abilities; only 5 cases (8%) mentioned all 4 abilities. Physicians frequently stated that psychosis or depression did or did not affect capacity but provided little explanation regarding their judgments. Physicians in 8 cases (12%) disagreed about capacity; even when no explanation was given for the disagreement, the review committees generally accepted the judgment of the physician performing EAS. In one case, the physicians noted that not all capacity-specific abilities were intact but deemed the patient capable. CONCLUSION Case summaries of psychiatric EAS in the Netherlands do not show that a high threshold of capacity is required for granting EAS. Although this may reflect limitations in documentation, it likely represents a practice that reflects the normative position of the review committees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John R Peteet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Scott Y H Kim
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Abstract
Dementia raises many ethical issues. The present review, taking note of the fact that the stages of dementia raise distinct ethical issues, focuses on three issues associated with stages of dementia's progression: (1) how the emergence of preclinical and asymptomatic but at-risk categories for dementia creates complex questions about preventive measures, risk disclosure, and protection from stigma and discrimination; (2) how despite efforts at dementia prevention, important research continues to investigate ways to alleviate clinical dementia's symptoms, and requires additional human subjects protections to ethically enroll persons with dementia; and (3) how in spite of research and prevention efforts, persons continue to need to live with dementia. This review highlights two major themes. First is how expanding the boundaries of dementias such as Alzheimer's to include asymptomatic but at-risk persons generate new ethical questions. One promising way to address these questions is to take an integrated approach to dementia ethics, which can include incorporating ethics-related data collection into the design of a dementia research study itself. Second is the interdisciplinary nature of ethical questions related to dementia, from health policy questions about insurance coverage for long-term care to political questions about voting, driving, and other civic rights and privileges to economic questions about balancing an employer's right to a safe and productive workforce with an employee's rights to avoid discrimination on the basis of their dementia risk. The review highlights these themes and emerging ethical issues in dementia.
Collapse
|
28
|
de Melo-Martín I, Hellmers N, Henchcliffe C. First-in-human cell transplant trials in Parkinson's disease: The need for an improved informed consent process. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2015; 21:829-32. [PMID: 26004682 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
First-in-human clinical trials of innovative medical procedures, such as cell transplantation for Parkinson's disease, present a variety of ethical challenges. In an era of rapidly developing stem cell technologies likely to be translated into clinical trials over the next few years, it is critical that ethical concerns be fully considered. One important undertaking is ensuring that research participants give free and truly informed consent. This will necessitate adequate disclosure of risks and benefits at a time when these are incompletely defined; ensuring understanding of a complex research protocol when there is significant possibility of therapeutic misconception; and careful determination of capacity for informed consent in patients with a neurodegenerative disorder that is known to affect cognition. Here we call attention to the ethical issues that researchers conducting these types of trials will face when trying to obtain a genuinely informed consent, and we suggest possible solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada de Melo-Martín
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Natalie Hellmers
- Weill Cornell Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 428 East 72nd Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Claire Henchcliffe
- Weill Cornell Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 428 East 72nd Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nuttin B, Wu H, Mayberg H, Hariz M, Gabriëls L, Galert T, Merkel R, Kubu C, Vilela-Filho O, Matthews K, Taira T, Lozano AM, Schechtmann G, Doshi P, Broggi G, Régis J, Alkhani A, Sun B, Eljamel S, Schulder M, Kaplitt M, Eskandar E, Rezai A, Krauss JK, Hilven P, Schuurman R, Ruiz P, Chang JW, Cosyns P, Lipsman N, Voges J, Cosgrove R, Li Y, Schlaepfer T. Consensus on guidelines for stereotactic neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014; 85:1003-8. [PMID: 24444853 PMCID: PMC4145431 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with psychiatric illnesses remaining refractory to 'standard' therapies, neurosurgical procedures may be considered. Guidelines for safe and ethical conduct of such procedures have previously and independently been proposed by various local and regional expert groups. METHODS To expand on these earlier documents, representative members of continental and international psychiatric and neurosurgical societies, joined efforts to further elaborate and adopt a pragmatic worldwide set of guidelines. These are intended to address a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders, brain targets and neurosurgical techniques, taking into account cultural and social heterogeneities of healthcare environments. FINDINGS The proposed consensus document highlights that, while stereotactic ablative procedures such as cingulotomy and capsulotomy for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder are considered 'established' in some countries, they still lack level I evidence. Further, it is noted that deep brain stimulation in any brain target hitherto tried, and for any psychiatric or behavioural disorder, still remains at an investigational stage. Researchers are encouraged to design randomised controlled trials, based on scientific and data-driven rationales for disease and brain target selection. Experienced multidisciplinary teams are a mandatory requirement for the safe and ethical conduct of any psychiatric neurosurgery, ensuring documented refractoriness of patients, proper consent procedures that respect patient's capacity and autonomy, multifaceted preoperative as well as postoperative long-term follow-up evaluation, and reporting of effects and side effects for all patients. INTERPRETATION This consensus document on ethical and scientific conduct of psychiatric surgery worldwide is designed to enhance patient safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nuttin
- Research Group of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Chair of Committee of Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders of the WSSFN and Department of Neurosurgery, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
| | - Hemmings Wu
- Research Group of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Helen Mayberg
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marwan Hariz
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Loes Gabriëls
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Chair of the Committee of Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders, Belgium and Belgium and Department of Psychiatry, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thorsten Galert
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- Deutsches Referenzzentrum für Ethik in den Biowissenschaften, Bonn, Germany
| | - Reinhard Merkel
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- Universität Hamburg/Juristische Fakultät Lehrstuhl für Strafrecht und Rechtsphilosophie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cynthia Kubu
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Osvaldo Vilela-Filho
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology of Goiânia, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Service, Medical School, Federal University of Goiás, Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Keith Matthews
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Advanced Interventions Service and Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Takaomi Taira
- Past-president of WSSFN and Chair of Committee of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), and Department of Neurosurgery, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Past-president of WSSFN and Department of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gastón Schechtmann
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosurgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paresh Doshi
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Program, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Jean Régis
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Hôpital La Timone, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Ahmed Alkhani
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bomin Sun
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Sam Eljamel
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Centre of Neurosciences Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Schulder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Michael Kaplitt
- Member of the Psychiatric Surgery Committee of the ASSFN and Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA
| | - Emad Eskandar
- Member of the Psychiatric Surgery Committee of the ASSFN and Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Rezai
- Past President, American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN), Department of Neurosurgery, American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN), Ohio State University, Ohio, USA
| | - Joachim K Krauss
- President of ESSFN and WSSFN, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Rick Schuurman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro Ruiz
- President of WPA, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- President of Asian Australasian Society for Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Paul Cosyns
- Committee of Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders, Belgium, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Nir Lipsman
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Juergen Voges
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg and Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rees Cosgrove
- WSSFN Committee on Neurosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yongjie Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas Schlaepfer
- Working Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’. This Working Group is organised by the Europäische Akademie GmbH (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, http://www.ea-aw.de). It consists of an interdisciplinary and international team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, bioethicists, philosophers and legal scholars, analysing ethical issues arising from the application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders. Questions such as critical issues around regulatory processes and ethical guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for researchers, engineers and clinicians engaged in the development of therapeutic deep brain stimulation have been comprehensively studied and the results have been published under common authorship
- Chair of the Focus Group ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry: Guidance for Responsible Research and Application’, Chair of the Task Force on Brain Stimulation of the World Federations of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, Chair of the Section of Experimental Brain Stimulation Methods of the German Association of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and member of the Operational Committee on Sections of the World Psychiatric Association. He is professor of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Bonn, Germany, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Mental Health at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dementia prevention: Shared questions for research and clinical management. Maturitas 2014; 77:124-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
31
|
Substitute consent practices in the face of uncertainty: a survey of Canadian researchers in aging. Int Psychogeriatr 2013; 25:1821-30. [PMID: 23927951 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610213001336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada and elsewhere, research policies require researchers to secure consent from a legally authorized representative (LAR) for prospective participants unable to consent. Few jurisdictions, however, offer a clear legislative basis for LAR identification. We investigated Canadian researchers' practices regarding the involvement of decisionally incapacitated participants and tested whether reported practices were associated with (1) researchers' understanding of the law on third-party authorization of research and (2) their comfort with allowing a family member to consent on behalf of an incapacitated relative. METHODS We surveyed researchers in aging from four Canadian provinces about their practices with prospective participants deemed incapable of consent, their understanding of relevant law, and comfort with family consent for research purposes. Understanding and comfort were measured with research vignettes that briefly described hypothetical studies in which an adult who lacks the capacity to consent was invited to participate. RESULTS Many respondents reported soliciting consent from a family member (45.7% for low-risk studies and 10.7% for serious risks studies), even in jurisdictions where such authority is uncertain at law. Researchers' tendency to solicit family consent was associated with their comfort in doing so, but not with their understanding of the law on substitute consent for research. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the need to clarify who may authorize an incapacitated adult's participation in research. Meanwhile, people should inform their relatives of their desire to participate or not in research in the event of incapacity, given researchers' tendency to turn to family for consent, even where not supported by law.
Collapse
|
32
|
Klein E, Karlawish J. Ethical issues in the neurology of aging and cognitive decline. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 118:233-42. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53501-6.00020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
33
|
Howe E. Informed consent, participation in research, and the Alzheimer's patient. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2012; 9:47-51. [PMID: 22808449 PMCID: PMC3398682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Alzheimer's disease may want to participate in research on Alzheimer's disease, but their participation involves exceptional considerations. Plans should be made for determining these patients' cognitive capacity on a regular basis; for example, throughout a study, cognitive capacity may decline, making it necessary for a patient's pre-designated surrogate decision maker to become more involved. Patients with Alzheimer's disease may also choose to designate someone other than their primary caregiver to be their surrogate decision maker. This article discusses these and other core ethical issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Howe
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|