Ethical concerns
critically ill
CRITICALLY ILL
There is clinical equipoise concerning the operative management of SCIAS. Thus, the COOL trial Investigators feel a moral imperative to conduct this research to provide the best evidence to counsel bedside critical care physicians and surgeons [Research in critically ill incapacitated patients is important to advance care. Conducting research among SCIAS is complicated due to the severity of illness, need for emergent interventions, diagnostic criteria confirmed only at laparotomy, and obtundation from anesthesia. In other circumstances involving critically ill patients, clinical experts have worked closely with ethicists to apply principles that balance the rights of patients while simultaneously permitting inclusion in research. COOL Investigators have collaborated with both current and past Chairs of REB’s to review and interpret the science and ethics for surgical investigators globally [