scholarly journals Personalized medicine in psychiatry: ethical challenges and opportunities

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Therapeutic Doses ◽  
Therapeutic Possibilities

Pharmacogenomic developments hold promise for personalized medicine in psychiatry with adjusted therapeutic doses, predictable responses, reduced adverse drug reactions, early diagnosis, and personal health planning. The prospects are exciting, but at the same time, these new techniques stand faced with important scientific, ethical, legal, and social challenges that need to be met in order for the scientific advances to be responsibly applied. This review discusses the ethical balance between challenge and opportunity of personalized medicine in psychiatry under the aspects of adequacy, cost:benefit ratio, and therapeutic equity. It is argued that the promising nature of these therapeutic possibilities makes it all the more important to avoid exaggerating the expectations, and that a sophisticated social infrastructure needs to be developed in order to ensure the realistic and responsible application of personalized medicine in psychiatry.

scholarly journals Dyads in Dementia Care: An International Perspective on Research Challenges and Opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 757-757
Author(s):  
Marie Boltz ◽  
Karin Wolf-Ostermann ◽  
Katie Maslow
Keyword(s):  
Daily Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Dementia poses a societal challenge that is life-changing not only for persons with dementia (PWD) but also for family members and friends (informal carers) directly involved in the care arrangement. Informal carers (IC) have typically poorer outcomes in terms of well-being, quality of life (QoL), health status, and use of health care resources. Dyads of PWD and IC living with dementia are characterized by strong reciprocal relationships and complex living contexts. Therefore, research should investigate home based dementia caregiving from a dyadic perspective to yield interventions that support the PWD, the IC, and the unit as a whole. However, it is an ongoing challenge to investigate dyadic needs and preferences in daily practice and develop effective interventions. Challenges are related to incomplete understanding of dyadic characteristics, attitudes and beliefs within the dyad, as well as how to adapt research approach to engage and retain the dyad in research. This international symposium will therefore address these issues. The first presentation will describe a typology of dementia care dyad characteristics and needs in Germany. The second presentation will examine the challenges and opportunities associated with recruiting and retaining dementia dyads. The third presentation will explore ethical challenges posed in communication with dyads and possible solutions for the researcher. The final presentation reports on the Meeting Centre Support Program as an example of an effective psychosocial intervention employing research strategies that transcend cultural barriers. Our discussant, Katie Maslow, will synthesize the presentations and lead a discussion of future directions for policy and practice.

scholarly journals The Defining Characteristics of Agroecosystem Living Labs

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1718
Author(s):  
Chris McPhee ◽  
Margaret Bancerz ◽  
Muriel Mambrini-Doudet ◽  
François Chrétien ◽  
Christian Huyghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Rural Living ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
High Uncertainty

In response to environmental, economic, and social challenges, the living labs approach to innovation is receiving increasing attention within the agricultural sector. In this paper, we propose a set of defining characteristics for an emerging type of living lab intended to increase the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and agri-food systems: the “agroecosystem living lab”. Drawing on first-hand knowledge of case studies of large initiatives from Canada and France and supported by eight other cases from the literature, we highlight the unique nature of agroecosystem living labs and their distinct challenges with respect to their aims, activities, participants, and context. In particular, these living labs are characterized by exceptionally high levels of scientific research; long innovation cycles with high uncertainty due to external factors; and the high number and diversity of stakeholders involved. Both procedurally and conceptually, we link to earlier efforts undertaken by researchers seeking to identify urban living labs and rural living labs as distinct, new types of living labs. By highlighting what makes agroecosystem living labs unique and their commonalities with other types of living labs, we hope to encourage their further study and help practitioners better understand their implementation and operational challenges and opportunities.

scholarly journals Crowdfunding: Motives, Definitions, Typology and Ethical Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mokter Hossain ◽  
Gospel Onyema Oparaocha
Keyword(s):  
Final Section ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Conceptual Paper

AbstractCrowdfunding is an emerging phenomenon that has attracted significant interest from scholars and practitioners alike, mainly due to its appeal as an alternative source of funding. As crowdfunding has grown exponentially, so have the associated challenges and opportunities. In this conceptual paper, we define crowdfunding; discuss its characteristics, related terminologies, key elements and ethical issues. We also propose a typology for crowdfunding and indicate various issues associated with it. The final section includes the implications of this study and suggestions for future research. This paper aims to inspire a scholarly debate and further develop the theoretical foundation of the crowdfunding literature. This may also prompt practitioners to take note of the emerging concerns as the crowdfunding phenomenon is transforming from a marginal to a mainstream discipline.

Reaching Future Scientists, Consumers, & Citizens

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 379-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Hicks ◽  
Rebecca J. Cline ◽  
Angela M. Trepanier
Keyword(s):  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Adult Onset ◽  
Biology Textbooks ◽  
Multifactorial Diseases ◽  
Single Gene Disorders

An understanding of how genomics information, including information about risk for common, multifactorial disease, can be used to promote personal health (personalized medicine) is becoming increasingly important for the American public. We undertook a quantitative content analysis of commonly used high school textbooks to assess how frequently the genetic basis of common multifactorial diseases was discussed compared with the “classic” chromosomal–single gene disorders historically used to teach the concepts of genetics and heredity. We also analyzed the types of conditions or traits that were discussed. We identified 3957 sentences across 11 textbooks that addressed multifactorial and “classic” genetic disorders. “Classic” gene disorders were discussed relatively more frequently than multifactorial diseases, as was their genetic basis, even after we enriched the sample to include five adult-onset conditions common in the general population. Discussions of the genetic or hereditary components of multifactorial diseases were limited, as were discussions of the environmental components of these conditions. Adult-onset multifactorial diseases are far more common in the population than chromosomal or single-gene disorders; many are potentially preventable or modifiable. As such, they are targets for personalized medical approaches. The limited discussion in biology textbooks of the genetic basis of multifactorial conditions and the role of environment in modifying genetic risk may limit the public’s understanding and use of personalized medicine.

Regenerative medicine for neurological diseases—will regenerative neurosurgery deliver?

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. n955
Author(s):  
Terry C Burns ◽  
Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
Keyword(s):  
Regenerative Medicine ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Practice Of Medicine ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Future Practice ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Regenerative medicine aspires to transform the future practice of medicine by providing curative, rather than palliative, treatments. Healing the central nervous system (CNS) remains among regenerative medicine’s most highly prized but formidable challenges. “Regenerative neurosurgery” provides access to the CNS or its surrounding structures to preserve or restore neurological function. Pioneering efforts over the past three decades have introduced cells, neurotrophins, and genes with putative regenerative capacity into the CNS to combat neurodegenerative, ischemic, and traumatic diseases. In this review we critically evaluate the rationale, paradigms, and translational progress of regenerative neurosurgery, harnessing access to the CNS to protect, rejuvenate, or replace cell types otherwise irreversibly compromised by neurological disease. We discuss the evidence surrounding fetal, somatic, and pluripotent stem cell derived implants to replace endogenous neuronal and glial cell types and provide trophic support. Neurotrophin based strategies via infusions and gene therapy highlight the motivation to preserve neuronal circuits, the complex fidelity of which cannot be readily recreated. We specifically highlight ongoing translational efforts in Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury, using these to illustrate the principles, challenges, and opportunities of regenerative neurosurgery. Risks of associated procedures and novel neurosurgical trials are discussed, together with the ethical challenges they pose. After decades of efforts to develop and refine necessary tools and methodologies, regenerative neurosurgery is well positioned to advance treatments for refractory neurological diseases. Strategic multidisciplinary efforts will be critical to harness complementary technologies and maximize mechanistic feedback, accelerating iterative progress toward cures for neurological diseases.

Developing a Competitive City through Healthy Decision-Making

2012 ◽  
pp. 808-822
Author(s):  
Ori Gudes ◽  
Elizabeth Kendall ◽  
Tan Yigitcanlar ◽  
Jung Hoon Han ◽  
Virendra Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Healthy City ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Planning Methods ◽  
Information Framework

This chapter investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with planning for a competitive city. The chapter is based on the assumption that a healthy city is a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive city. Thus, it is critical to examine the local determinants of health and factor these into any planning efforts. The main focus of the chapter is on e-health planning by utilising Web-based geographic decision support systems. The proposed novel decision support system would provide a powerful and effective platform for stakeholders to access essential data for decision-making purposes. The chapter also highlights the need for a comprehensive information framework to guide the process of planning for healthy cities. Additionally, it discusses the prospects and constraints of such an approach. In summary, this chapter outlines the potential insights of using an information science-based framework and suggests practical planning methods as part of a broader e-health approach for improving the health characteristics of competitive cities.

scholarly journals The Importance of Social Support and Communities of Practice: Farmer Perceptions of the Challenges and Opportunities of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems on Organically Managed Farms in the Northern U.S.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hayden ◽  
Sarah Rocker ◽  
Hannah Phillips ◽  
Bradley Heins ◽  
Andrew Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Organically Managed ◽  
Livestock Systems

Most U.S. farms today specialize in either crop or livestock production, failing to harness the potential economic and environmental benefits of integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS). This specialization is particularly contradictory for organic operations, which aim to promote biodiversity and reduce reliance on outside sources of feed and fertility. This study investigated the challenges and opportunities experienced by farmers interested in integrating crops and livestock on organically managed farms in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Qualitative methods, including focus groups and interviews, generated four categories of challenges: farming norms, complexity of management, biophysical conditions, and financial costs, and four categories of opportunities: increasing support for ICLS, financial and labor advantages, biophysical improvements, and animal welfare. Discussion of the data analysis demonstrates how most of the challenges of ICLS are mitigated by opportunities. For instance, increasing support for ICLS means there are growing communities of practice in which farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange and peer support overcome obstacles to success in these systems. Unmitigated challenges that are beyond the control of farmers include regional infrastructure, financing and insurance, and long time horizon for returns. These three unmitigated challenges may require interventions such as policy support, economic incentives and social infrastructure to enable successful farm transitions to ICLS in this region.

scholarly journals Personal Health Informatics. Editorial

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (01) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
C. A. Kulikowski ◽  
A. Geissbuhler
Keyword(s):  
Health Informatics ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Practice Of Medicine ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Working Groups

SummaryTo provide an editorial introduction to the 2012 IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics with an overview of its contents and contributors.A brief overview of the main theme, and an outline of the purposes, contents, format, and acknowledgment of contributions for the 2012 IMIA Yearbook.This 2012 issue of the IMIA Yearbook highlights important developments in personal health informatics, impacting the activities in research, education and practice in this interdisciplinary field.There has been steady progress towards introducing individualization or personalization into informatics systems by taking advantage of the increasing amounts of personal information that is relevant to medical decisions and application in clinical practice. At the same time, there are serious issues about the limits of existing systems being able to effectively personalize information within both practical and ethical constraints so critical to the practice of medicine. Recent literature bearing on these questions includes the selected papers published during the past 12 months, and articles reported by IMIA Working Groups on these topics.Surveys of the main research sub-fields in biomedical informatics in the Yearbook provide an overview of progress and current challenges across the spectrum of the discipline, focusing on the challenges and opportunities involved in personal health informatics.

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