Biomedical Ethics in Research and Clinical Practice

Abstract

Biomedical ethics is an interdisciplinary domain offering holistic guidance of decision making in research and clinical practices. The term “bioethics” was coined by biochemist Van Rensselaer Potter in his book “Bioethics: Bridge to the Future” in 1971. Bioethics systematically examines and applies ethical principles to tackle intricate issues and questions pertaining to medical practice, patient care, research involving humans or animals, healthcare policies, and the advancements in biomedical technologies. In the 21st century, scientific advancements have accelerated in delivering solutions for deadly diseases; however, the ethical dilemma related to moral principles, and values have emerged as significant hurdles for the scientific and healthcare community in implementing new innovation. More than half a century has witnessed phases of bipartite challenges to find a point of balance between technological progress and ethical safety implications.