The Foundation is pleased to announce the latest awards under its Bridging Bioethics Research & Policymaking initiative: three projects that seek to bridge the divide between bioethics research results and policymaking.
Rapid developments in healthcare, science, and technology raise exciting possibilities to advance our health and well-being, but also raise complex ethical dilemmas. Strengthening the relationship between bioethics and policy can help decision-makers navigate conflicting points of view and find the best way forward. Each of the funded projects listed below have proposed a unique approach to effect policy change.
Improving Long-Term Care Facility Design through Bioethical Peer Review
Diana Anderson, MD (Boston University)
Abstract: The bioethics research by Dr. Anderson and her team has highlighted the need for policymakers to address long-term care (LTC) issues around the built environment, currently without clinical oversight. Growing knowledge of how architecture affects behavior, well-being, and health outcomes demands that concerns about evaluating benefits and harms, freedom, and consent be thoroughly vetted. Their novel and pioneering Bioethics Peer Review (BPR) model is currently being implemented to highlight bioethical issues across multiple dimensions of the building and its operations. The team’s campaign with federal policymakers will aim to make them aware and consider these bioethical concerns, as new knowledge engenders new responsibilities.
Hastings on the Hill: Informing Policy on AI in Health
Vardit Ravitsky, PhD (The Hastings Center)
Abstract: The rapid implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health raises profound policy challenges. While AI can save lives and improve healthcare outcomes, it also carries the risk of causing harm if not properly regulated. It is becoming increasingly challenging for policymakers - and those responsible for informing policy - to keep up with ever-evolving technological developments, implementation for various use cases, and the bioethics research meant to inform wise and responsible regulation. This project will seek to use the experience and expertise of Dr. Ravitsky, Dr. Bélisle-Pipon (bioethics researchers) and Erin Williams, JD (a “congressional bioethicist”) to translate bioethics for policymakers, focusing on two-way engagement, as policymakers try to understand different perspectives that should be considered to develop responsible regulation.
Improving Bioethics in SDOH-Focused Medicaid Programs
Alex Sheff, MPA (Health Care For All)
Abstract: This project seeks to translate important considerations in bioethics into policy outcomes for Medicaid programs investing in supports that address social determinants of health, also known as health-related social needs (HRSNs). The team aims to ensure that policymakers take bioethical principles on resource distribution and the valuing of outcomes beyond financial impacts prioritized by health care institutions into consideration when planning the expansion of an HRSNs pilot in Massachusetts’s Medicaid program. This project will be led by Health Care For All (HCFA) Massachusetts, a consumer advocacy organization, that works with bioethical researchers, the state’s Medicaid leadership, and social service organizations across the state.
The Bridging Bioethics Research & Policymaking initiative was launched in 2022 to support innovative and practical integration of bioethics into policy. The Foundation will announce future Requests for Proposals via its newsletter, social media, and website.
