Abstract Background Oak Ridge, a unit for "criminally insane" male patients at Penetanguishene in Ontario, Canada opened in1965 and provided an experimental system of treatment whereby looked after other strictly controlled harsh environment. It closed 1983. Aims This article draws attention to the unethical treatments used. Method Some are described, as is, briefly, recent civil lawsuit Ontari...

The discussion between general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare delivery organizations necessitates a common language. The presentation of the 4 types of GP’s activities, opens dialogue but can lead to possible misunderstandings between the micro- and macro-level of the healthcare system. This commentary takes 4 examples: costs reduction by P4, priority of beneficence or nonmaleficence, role ...

Obesity is an important public health problem. Dietetic supplements are commonly used by obese patients who are not aware of the effectiveness or potential harms of these products. The aim of this paper is to discuss the ethical dilemma associated with the use of these supplements. The principles of autonomy, beneficence and justice are involved. Obesity as a chronic disease, requires qualified...

In occupational and environmental health research, individual, group and community research participants have a unique and vested interest in the research findings. The ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence and beneficence are helpful in considering the ethical issues in the disclosure of research findings in occupational and environmental health research. Researchers need to include ...

This case of platelet transfusion in palliative care illustrates a common dilemma in transfusion medicine: approval of the use of a scarce, yet potentially life-saving, resource. As in this case, these decisions often involve seriously ill patients with acute needs and evolving goals of care. The use of resources to treat the patient at hand must be balanced against maintaining adequate resourc...

This review addresses the current and future potential of nanomedicine, and its ethical considerations within the comprehensive framework of the four dimensions of medical ethics: Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, Respect, and Justice. From this perspective, the ethical considerations for nanomedicine are not novel, but have been addressed by precedents throughout the history of medicine. While the...

Nobody can deny the fact that caesarean section is a life saving obstetrical procedure for both mother and the baby. Decision for caesarean section should be made by experienced and qualified obstetricians. The well known principles of ethics like: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice should be followed by the attending doctors. Based upon their knowledge, skills, and experience, ...

The discussion between general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare delivery organizations necessitates a common language. The presentation of the 4 types of GP's activities, opens dialogue but can lead to possible misunderstandings between the micro- and macro-level of the healthcare system. This commentary takes 4 examples: costs reduction by P4, priority of beneficence or nonmaleficence, role ...