2009 Faculty Researchers

David A. Fleming, MD

Topics in Ethics Research

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Department

Center for Health Ethics

Office Location

CE722 Clinical Support and Education Building

Phone #:

Office: (573) 882-2738
Fax: (573) 884-2664

Email:

FlemingD@health.missouri.edu

Website:

ethics.missouri.edu

Summary

The Center for Health Ethics is a multi-disciplined academic center that focuses on the ethical issues that face modern society and health care institutions. The modern challenges of health care require increasing awareness of ethical and moral issues. These issues encompass not only patients’ welfare but also the functioning of health care organizations and the role of research in society. Health care ethics has also evolved as a crucial component in academic medicine, given the related challenges of education, training and research. The MU Center for Health Ethics seeks to address these difficult issues through dialogue across multiple related disciplines, as well as in the broader academic and public community.

Currently the Center for Health Ethics is involved in the DNAR/LOT (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation/Limitation of Treatment) research concerning the effectiveness of these orders in clinical situations. We are also researching the effects of spirituality and wellness in health care settings at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center as well as the Urology clinic located at the University of Missouri Hospital. We are also involved in the Missouri Health Literacy & Diabetes Communication Initiative which is a collaboration with Northwestern University that will heighten the awareness of those affected by diabetes and addresses the issue of health literacy. As part of the Center’s goals, we have also launched a rural outreach and awareness initiative that encompasses the use of tele-ethics as well as a statewide Rural Ethics survey that assesses the needs and concerns of the outlying rural areas.