Apart from decision fatigue, there is the issue of decision confusion. An example is that it is possible for an individual to be pronounced dead in one state, but not dead in a neighboring jurisdiction. As described in an article appearing on December 24, 2019 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, this situation exists because only 36 states have incorporated the complete language of the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) into their respective definitions of death. An original goal was for all states to adopt the UDDA as the legal standard for death by neurologic criteria (DNC). Instead, there is ongoing confusion about DNC since medical standards of determination vary, public acceptance is inconsistent, and responses to family objections have ranged from continuation of organ support indefinitely to unilateral discontinuation. Unresolved problems pertain to: (1) lack of uniformity in the medical standards used to determine DNC, (2) uncertainty about whether “all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem” entail hormonal functions, (3) the UDDA does not address whether consent is needed before a determination of DNC, and (4) the UDDA does not address religious objections to discontinuation of organ support after DNC.
In a related vein, a debate is underway in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research over the definition of the disease itself. As described in the December 11, 2019 issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine, a problem is that the terms dementia and AD have become interchangeable. Arguments in favor of using a biological versus a clinical diagnosis for AD are that: the latter is not specific for any etiology; a biological definition of AD will lead to a better understanding of the sequence of events that leads to cognitive impairment and dementia; biological markers will improve efficiency of clinical trials; and a biological definition of AD enables study of the disease from the preclinical stage through all symptomatic stages and of all disease phenotypes, not only the memory loss phenotype.
More Articles from Dec 2019 - Jan 2020 TRENDS
RESOLVING NETTLESOME HEALTH POLICY DISPUTES
Indicates the importance of deciding which groups should be involved in making decisions about controversial initiatives, such as gene editing. Read more
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
ASAHP President Phyllis King discusses Read more
LABOR-HHS FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR FY 2020
Lists funding for certain activities for the Departments of Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Read more
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
Discusses court rulings involving the individual mandate and also repeal of some taxes that help to finance provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Read more
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Describes undergraduate pricing at higher education institutions and Department of Education policy regarding cancellation of debt of federal student loan borrowers based on a college's misconduct. Read more
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
Adult Physical Inactivity Prevalence Maps By Race/Ethnicity
Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana And Illicit Drugs Among Persons Aged ≥16 Years—U.S.
Benefit To Patients Using Wearable Devices Such As Fitbit Or Health Apps On Mobiles
Light-Degradable Hydrogels As Dynamic Triggers For Gastrointestinal Applications Read more
AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY
U.S. Investments In Medical And Health Research And Development 2013 – 2018
More Americans Delaying Medical Treatment Due To Cost
Do Advanced Driver Assistance And Semi-Automated Vehicle Systems Lead To Improper Driving Behavior? Read more
A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF DECISION FATIGUE
Mentions an impaired ability to make decisions and control behavior as a consequence of repeated acts of decision-making that often lead to choices that seem impulsive or irrational. Read more
GEOGRAPHY DETERMINES WHEN A DEATH CAN BE DECLARED
Refers to how incomplete adoption of the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) into definitions of death in states around the nation can result in an individual being pronounced dead in one state, but not dead in a neighboring state. Read more