What makes Research Ethical?

Question 1

What are the 7 ethical principles of research?

Answer 1

1. social /scientific research - must have social/scientific/clinical value
2. scientific validity - must be methodologically sound
3. fair participant selection - do not target vulnerable individuals
4. favourable risk-benefit ratio - study design minimises risk and maximises benefit
5. independent review - review by a body not affiliated with researchers
6. informed consent - individuals should be informed about the research and provide voluntary consent
7. respect for participants - privacy should be protected opportunity to withdraw

Question 2

What is Clinical equipoise?

Answer 2

In clinical research which compares different therapies, there must be a genuine lack of consensus within the scientific community as to whether or not the new intervention is more effective than the standard therapy

Question 3

What sort of information should be disclosed to the participant?

Answer 3

• purpose of study
• nature of procedures to be carried out
• risks, discomforts, inconveniences
• benefits
• available alternative to participation, comparitive risks
• possible monetary costs incured by participants
• financial conflict of interest