L28: Introduction to Ethics

Question 1

What are the 5 main considerations for ethics committees? (JAVIC)

Answer 1

1) assessing benefits and harms
2) vulnerabilities of participants
3) conflicts of interest
4) informed consent
5) justice

Question 2

This refers to the obligations that we have to ‘benefit’ others. In research, it is the obligation to ensure that the research is generating something of value that justifies the costs.

Answer 2

Beneficence

Question 3

This refers to the obligation that we have not to harm others without a justifying reason. In research, this means being aware of various potential harms to participants and others.

Answer 3

Non-maleficence

Question 4

This is the requirement that researchers only provide an experimental treatment if the evidence for the experimental treatment is equal to that available for the standard treatment.

Answer 4

Clinical equipoise

Question 5

This is any person who is more at risk of exploitation because of social or physical disadvantages.

Answer 5

Vulnerable person

Question 6

This is a situation where a person holds two or more potentially incompatible interests. This is when a researcher has interests that might compromise the values and standards of ethically appropriate research.

Answer 6

Conflict of interest

Question 7

This is required when participants are enrolled in research studies.

What is the law that states how every consumer has the right to information?

Answer 7

Informed consent; code of rights

Question 8

Justice requires 3 things:

Answer 8

• transparency
• equality: all people are treated of the same worth
• equity: efforts are to make society equitable

Question 9

What needs ethical review in New Zealand? (3)

Answer 9

• human research
• innovative practice: practice that deviates from currently accepted practice of a NZ body of health (involves untested/unproven clinical intervention)
• some surveys