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Navigating Ethical Practices in the Era of High Cost Hematology

  • Health Economics (N Khera, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review article, we will highlight ethical issues faced by hematologists due to a growing constellation of expensive diagnostics and therapeutics in hematology. We outline the important issues surrounding this topic including stakeholders, cost considerations, and various ethical challenges surrounding access to care, communication about costs, and individual vs. societal responsibilities. We review available tools to navigate these ethical themes and offer potential solutions.

Recent Findings

We identified several gaps in the literature on the topic of ethical issues in hematology treatment and supplement by non-hematological cancer and general medical literature.

Summary

We propose proactive solutions to address these problems to include cost transparency, utilization of evidence-based decision making tools, application of the four quadrant approach to ethical care, and advanced systems-based practice curriculum for physician trainees.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA

    Natalie Ertz-Archambault & Nandita Khera

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  1. Natalie Ertz-Archambault
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Correspondence to Natalie Ertz-Archambault.

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Ertz-Archambault, N., Khera, N. Navigating Ethical Practices in the Era of High Cost Hematology. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 15, 401–407 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-020-00599-w

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