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How to resolve an ethical dilemma concerning randomized clinical trials

Article Abstract:

Doctors should offer to enroll their patients in clinical trials even if they believe one treatment being tested is better than the other. Clinical trials usually compare two different treatments, one of which may be a placebo. If doctors believe one treatment may be better than the other, they have a professional obligation to tell the patient. The patient can then choose whether or not to enroll in the trial. In other words, providing informed consent is the best strategy to resolve this ethical dilemma.

Recruiting, Patients

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The ethical problems with sham surgery in clinical research

Article Abstract:

There are many ethical problems with sham surgery. Most clinical trials compare the effect of a drug against a placebo, or inactive substance. In surgery research, the placebo group would receive a sham operation. This essentially means the surgeon would do a fake operation without actually doing anything. However, surgery and anesthesia can cause complications, and this presents an ethical dilemma. It may be hard to justify sham surgery if it harms the patient in any way.

Research, Surgery

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Withholding proven treatment in clinical research

Article Abstract:

The ethics of withholding a proven treatment when conducting clinical trials is discussed. Many clinical trials compare a drug with a placebo, or inactive substance. If the drug is experimental, both groups of patients are being denied a proven treatment. Also, there may not be a proven treatment for many diseases.

Editorial

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