1
|
Shim JK, Foti N, Vasquez E, Fullerton SM, Bentz M, Jeske M, Lee SSJ. Community Engagement in Precision Medicine Research: Organizational Practices and Their Impacts for Equity. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2023; 14:185-196. [PMID: 37126431 PMCID: PMC10615663 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2023.2201478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the wake of mandates for biomedical research to increase participation by members of historically underrepresented populations, community engagement (CE) has emerged as a key intervention to help achieve this goal. METHODS Using interviews, observations, and document analysis, we examine how stakeholders in precision medicine research understand and seek to put into practice ideas about who to engage, how engagement should be conducted, and what engagement is for. RESULTS We find that ad hoc, opportunistic, and instrumental approaches to CE exacted significant consequences for the time and resources devoted to engagement and the ultimate impacts it has on research. Critical differences emerged when engagement and research decisionmaking were integrated with each other versus occurring in parallel, separate parts of the study organization, and whether community members had the ability to determine which issues would be brought to them for consideration or to revise or even veto proposals made upstream based on criteria that mattered to them. CE was understood to have a range of purposes, from instrumentally facilitating recruitment and data collection, to advancing community priorities and concerns, to furthering long-term investments in relationships with and changes in communities. These choices about who to engage, what engagement activities to support, how to solicit and integrate community input into the workflow of the study, and what CE was for were often conditioned upon preexisting perceptions and upstream decisions about study goals, competing priorities, and resource availability. CONCLUSIONS Upstream choices about CE and constraints of time and resources cascade into tradeoffs that often culminated in "pantomime community engagement." This approach can create downstream costs when engagement is experienced as improvised and sporadic. Transformations are needed for CE to be seen as a necessary scientific investment and part of the scientific process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Shim
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicole Foti
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Emily Vasquez
- Department of Sociology, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephanie M Fullerton
- Department of Bioethics & Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael Bentz
- Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melanie Jeske
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sandra Soo-Jin Lee
- Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Singh S, Moodley K, Cadigan RJ. Online Training as a Means to Improve the Understanding of Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects of Biobanking Research: Stakeholder Perspectives from South Africa. Biopreserv Biobank 2022; 20:283-290. [PMID: 34936480 PMCID: PMC9245719 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The proliferation of biobanking activities demand a review of current training opportunities for service providers and researchers, specifically related to the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) of biobanking research. Such information could be useful for planning and developing an educational course. However, it is equally important to explore the platform for offering such a course. Aim and Objectives: This study explored stakeholder perspectives on training needs in biobanking research and the use of an online training platform for such educational purposes. Methods: An exploratory study design using qualitative data was used. The study sample comprised selected stakeholders (n = 25) including biobankers, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate students, and research ethics committee members. Semi-structured in-person or Skype interviews were conducted and all ethical considerations were upheld. The interview focused on participants' perspectives on the accessibility and applicability of current available courses, and advantages and disadvantages of online biobanking courses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results and Discussion: The following themes arose from data analysis: inadequate availability of online courses, and advantages and disadvantages of online courses and opportunities for a successful training course. There was general consensus regarding the limited availability of context-specific training opportunities on the ELSI of biobanking. The majority of participants were previously self-taught and therefore relied on existing literature and collaborations with international biobanking groups for ongoing learning. Some respondents indicated that the costs of such available training courses were exorbitant. Some respondents also felt that available courses were not tailored to the specific needs of a diverse audience in biobanking. Apart from access, respondents reported possible challenges with internet connectivity and availability of data. Conclusion: Respondents expressed a need for affordable and focused online educational opportunities in biobanking, but highlighted that these courses need to be contextualized and integrated into other learning activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenuka Singh
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keymanthri Moodley
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rosemary Jean Cadigan
- Center for Bioethics, Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill. North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luthuli M, Ngwenya N, Gumede D, Gunda R, Gareta D, Koole O, Siedner MJ, Wong EB, Seeley J. Participant recall and understandings of information on biobanking and future genomic research: experiences from a multi-disease community-based health screening and biobank platform in rural South Africa. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:43. [PMID: 35436913 PMCID: PMC9014601 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited research has been conducted on explanations and understandings of biobanking for future genomic research in African contexts with low literacy and limited healthcare access. We report on the findings of a sub-study on participant understanding embedded in a multi-disease community health screening and biobank platform study known as ‘Vukuzazi’ in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with research participants who had been invited to take part in the Vukuzazi study, including both participants and non-participants, and research staff that worked on the study. The interviews were transcribed, and themes were identified from the interview transcripts, manually coded, and thematically analysed. Results Thirty-nine individuals were interviewed. We found that the research team explained biobanking and future genomic research by describing how hereditary characteristics create similarities among individuals. However, recollection and understanding of this explanation seven months after participation was variable. The large volume of information about the Vukuzazi study objectives and procedures presented a challenge to participant recall. By the time of interviews, some participants recalled rudimentary facts about the genetic aspects of the study, but many expressed little to no interest in genetics and biobanking. Conclusion Participant’s understanding of information related to genetics and biobanking provided during the consent process is affected by the volume of information as well as participant’s interest (or lack thereof) in the subject matter being discussed. We recommend that future studies undertaking biobanking and genomic research treat explanations of this kind of research to participants as an on-going process of communication between researchers, participants and the community and that explanatory imagery and video graphic storytelling should be incorporated into theses explanations as these have previously been found to facilitate understanding among those with low literacy levels. Studies should also avoid having broader research objectives as this can divert participant’s interest and therefore understanding of why their samples are being collected. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12910-022-00782-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manono Luthuli
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Nothando Ngwenya
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Dumsani Gumede
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Resign Gunda
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Dickman Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Olivier Koole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Global Health and Development Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily B Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Global Health and Development Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Samuel G, Broekstra R, Gille F, Lucassen A. Public Trust and Trustworthiness in Biobanking: The Need for More Reflexivity. Biopreserv Biobank 2022; 20:291-296. [PMID: 35172119 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Low levels of public trust in biobanks are perceived to be a deterrent to participation and a threat to their sustainability. Acting in a "trustworthy" manner is seen to be one approach to ensuring public trust in biobanks. Striving to improve public trust in biobanks and prioritizing the need for institutional trustworthiness are both vital endeavors. However, there has been little discussion in the context of biobanking about the meaning of these two concepts, and the relationship between them. In this article, we argue that it is important to examine this, to ensure clarity around their meaning, as well as their relationship with each other as they apply to biobanking. We conclude by making a series of recommendations for biobanks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Samuel
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Reinder Broekstra
- Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton (CELS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Gille
- Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anneke Lucassen
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton (CELS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Griffiths KE, Blain J, Vajdic CM, Jorm L. Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Data Governance in Health Research: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10318. [PMID: 34639617 PMCID: PMC8508308 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing potential to improve the research and reporting on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and Tribal peoples through the collection and (re)use of population-level data. As the data economy grows and the value of data increases, the optimization of data pertaining to Indigenous peoples requires governance that defines who makes decisions on behalf of whom and how these data can and should be used. An international a priori PROSPERO (#CRD42020170033) systematic review was undertaken to examine the health research literature to (1) identify, describe, and synthesize definitions and principles; (2) identify and describe data governance frameworks; and (3) identify, describe, and synthesize processes, policies and practices used in Indigenous Data Governance (ID-GOV). Sixty-eight articles were included in the review that found five components that require consideration in the governance of health research data pertaining to Indigenous people. This included (1) Indigenous governance; (2) institutional ethics; (3) socio-political dynamics; (4) data management and data stewardship; and (5) overarching influences. This review provides the first systematic international review of ID-GOV that could potentially be used in a range of governance strategies moving forward in health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalinda E. Griffiths
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.B.); (C.M.V.); (L.J.)
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Tiwi, NT 0812, Australia
- Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica Blain
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.B.); (C.M.V.); (L.J.)
| | - Claire M. Vajdic
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.B.); (C.M.V.); (L.J.)
| | - Louisa Jorm
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (J.B.); (C.M.V.); (L.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Singh S, Moodley K. Stakeholder perspectives on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking in South Africa. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:84. [PMID: 34210291 PMCID: PMC8247071 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00645-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biobanking provides exciting opportunities for research on stored biospecimens. However, these opportunities to advance medical science are fraught with challenges including ethical and legal dilemmas. This study was undertaken to establish perspectives of South African stakeholders on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking. METHODS An in-depth exploratory study was conducted with 25 purposively selected biobankers, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate students in biobanking research, and research ethics committee (REC) members in South Africa. Potential study participants were recruited through known hubs for biobanking in the country, online searches and the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured face-to-face or Skype interview was arranged. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The emergent themes included: inconsistency in understanding consent models, disconnect between biobank researchers and biosample donors, inadequate processes to support re-consenting minors, inconsistent governance processes for biobanking research; challenges with sample and data sharing, and suboptimal strategies for benefit sharing and return of results. Biobanking practice in general appeared to be inconsistent and fragmented. While the need for consent in research is explicitly outlined in legislative documents, some respondents were unclear on the type of consent model to apply in biosample collection. They also reported inconsistencies in research participants' understanding of consent. Furthermore, these respondents' own understanding of consent and consent models were dependent on where they were positioned in biobanking practice (roles occupied). Respondents were unsure about the process to follow to re-consent child participants once the age of majority (≥ 18 years) was reached. It was not surprising that consent was identified as one of the major ethical challenges in biobanking practice. In certain settings, some respondents reported suboptimal governance processes for sample collection. Participants were generally unsure about how to operationalise benefit sharing and how to approach the idea of returning results to research participants and biobank donors. CONCLUSION The study findings indicated inconsistencies in stakeholder understanding of ethico-legal considerations related to biobanking in South Africa. A need for ongoing ethics capacity development among stakeholders was identified. Improving understanding of the ethics of biobanking could be facilitated by acknowledging the disconnect created by biosamples in the relationship between biobank researchers and donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenuka Singh
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Keymanthri Moodley
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ochieng CA, Minion JT, Turner A, Blell M, Murtagh MJ. What does engagement mean to participants in longitudinal cohort studies? A qualitative study. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:77. [PMID: 34167521 PMCID: PMC8223352 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00648-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engagement is important within cohort studies for a number of reasons. It is argued that engaging participants within the studies they are involved in may promote their recruitment and retention within the studies. Participant input can also improve study designs, make them more acceptable for uptake by participants and aid in contextualising research communication to participants. Ultimately it is also argued that engagement needs to provide an avenue for participants to feedback to the cohort study and that this is an ethical imperative. This study sought to explore the participants' experiences and thoughts of their engagement with their birth cohort study. METHODS Participants were recruited from the Children of the 90s (CO90s) study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and uploaded onto Nvivo software. They were then analysed via thematic analysis with a constant comparison technique. RESULTS Participants' experiences of their engagement with CO90s were broadly based on three aspects: communication they received from CO90s, experiences of ethical conduct from CO90s and receiving rewards from CO90s. The communication received from CO90s, ranged from newsletters explaining study findings and future studies, to more personal forms like annual greeting cards posted to each participant. Ethical conduct from CO90s mainly involved participants understanding that CO90s would keep their information confidential, that it was only involved in 'good' ethical research and their expectation that CO90s would always prioritise participant welfare. Some of the gifts participants said they received at CO90s included toys, shopping vouchers, results from clinical tests, and time off from school to attend data collection (Focus) days. Participants also described a temporality in their engagement with CO90s and the subsequent trust they had developed for the cohort study. CONCLUSION The experiences of engagement described by participants were theorized as being based on reciprocity which was sometimes overt and other times more nuanced. We further provide empirical evidence of participants' expectation for a reciprocal interaction with their cohort study while highlighting the trust that such an interaction fosters. Our study therefore provides key insights for other cohort studies on what participants value in their interactions with their cohort studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A. Ochieng
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Joel T. Minion
- Qualitative Research Lead, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Department of Community Health Sciences, O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Andrew Turner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, 9th Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT UK
| | - Mwenza Blell
- School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, 18-20 Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HE UK
| | - Madeleine J. Murtagh
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Building, Bute Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8RT UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Conradie EH, Malherbe H, Hendriksz CJ, Dercksen M, Vorster BC. An Overview of Benefits and Challenges of Rare Disease Biobanking in Africa, Focusing on South Africa. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:143-150. [PMID: 33567219 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The North-West University's Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM) is in the process of establishing the first rare disease (RD) biobank in South Africa and Africa. The CHM Biobank's main focus is on the collection of samples and information for rare congenital disorders. Approximately 72% of all RDs have a genetic origin, of which 70% have an exclusive pediatric onset. The need for such a biobank was identified by the CHM diagnostic laboratory. Feedback toward this initiative was overwhelmingly positive at the first stakeholder meeting in August 2019. However, gaining support from the public sector and recruiting of participants have proven to be challenging. Problems experienced to date include lack of support from government and clinicians; lack of knowledge on RDs (patients and clinicians); public health care focus not directed toward RDs; patients not returning for follow-up visits; and unwillingness to participate due to fear of exploitation. The CHM Biobank's vision and goals are aligned to address a national and international research need: it will provide a valuable resource for scientists to improve what is known about these diseases; to better understand the natural history and pathophysiology; to optimize diagnostic methods; and to potentially develop treatments. The genetic variability of the South African population provides added value to the RD biobank. This review provides a brief overview of the literature on the challenges and benefits of an RD biobank and how this relates to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) like South Africa. The aim of the review is to draw attention to the potential benefits of such an undertaking and to create awareness, at both local and global level, toward some of the unique collective considerations that an RD biobank in LMIC (also unique South African challenges) faces on an operational, collaborate, and sustainability level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Engela H Conradie
- North-West University, Human Metabolomics, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Helen Malherbe
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, Sunninghill, South Africa
| | | | - Marli Dercksen
- North-West University, Human Metabolomics, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Barend C Vorster
- North-West University, Human Metabolomics, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moodley K, Beyer C. Tygerberg Research Ubuntu-Inspired Community Engagement Model: Integrating Community Engagement into Genomic Biobanking. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:613-624. [PMID: 31603696 PMCID: PMC6921246 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Community engagement (CE) is an ethical imperative in research, but the knowledge base for what constitutes effective and ethically sound CE is limited. Ubuntu, as a component of responsive communitarianism where communal welfare is valued together with individual autonomy, is useful in furthering our understanding of effective CE and how it could best be achieved. Similarly, a relative solidarity model serves as a compromise between extreme individualism and extreme communalism and is more appropriate in a heterogenous African context. Approaching CE from an Ubuntu philosophical perspective in southern Africa is particularly important in genomic biobanking, given the implications for individuals, families, and communities. Discussion: CE is often implemented in a tokenistic manner as an ancillary component of research. Understanding consent information is challenging where genomic biobanking is concerned due to scientific complexity. We started a process of CE around genomic biobanking and conducted empirical research in an attempt to develop a model to promote effective and ethically sound CE, using relative solidarity to create a nuanced application of Ubuntu. The TRUCE model is an eight-step model that uses social mapping to identify potential communities, establishes the scope of CE, and requires that communities are approached early. Co-creation strategies for CE are encouraged and co-ownership of knowledge production is emphasized. Recruiting and engaging communities at each stage of research is necessary. Evaluation and adaptation of CE strategies are included. Discussion and dissemination of results after the research is completed are encouraged. Conclusions: There is a significant gap between the theory of CE and its authentic application to research in Africa. This Ubuntu-inspired model facilitates bridging that gap and is particularly suited to genomic biobanking. The CE model enhances and complements the consent process and should be integrated into research as a funding and regulatory requirement where applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keymanthri Moodley
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical Ethics & Law, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Address correspondence to: Keymanthri Moodley, MBChB, MFamMed, MPhil, FCFP (SA), Executive MBA, DPhil, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical Ethics & Law, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Chad Beyer
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical Ethics & Law, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jackson C, Gardy JL, Shadiloo HC, Silva DS. Trust and the ethical challenges in the use of whole genome sequencing for tuberculosis surveillance: a qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives. BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:43. [PMID: 31272443 PMCID: PMC6610958 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging genomic technologies promise more efficient infectious disease control. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly being used in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, surveillance, and epidemiology. However, while the use of WGS by public health agencies may raise ethical, legal, and socio-political concerns, these challenges are poorly understood. METHOD Between November 2017 and April 2018, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 key stakeholders across the fields of governance and policy, public health, and laboratory sciences representing the major jurisdictions currently using WGS in national TB programs. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted using NVivo 11. RESULTS Respondents identified several ethical and practical challenges associated with WGS in TB care and surveillance, all related to issues of trust, including: 1) the power of public health; 2) data sharing and profits derived from surveillance efforts; and 3) concerns regarding who has access to, and can benefit from, the technology. Additional challenges included: the potential utility that WGS adds to a public health program, the risks associated with linking necessary epidemiological metadata to the genomic data, and challenges associated with jurisdictional capacity to implement the technology. CONCLUSIONS Successful implementation of WGS is dependent on fostering relationships of trust between those working with genomics technology and those directly impacted by it, including clinicians. Building trust (a) between the public and the public health agencies and (b) within public health agencies themselves is critical due to the inherent complexity of WGS and its implementation for communicable disease control purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Jackson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BLU 11300 - 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Gardy
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hedieh C Shadiloo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BLU 11300 - 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Diego S Silva
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BLU 11300 - 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. .,Sydney Health Ethics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cheung ATM. Including Everyone but Engaging No One? Partnership as a Prerequisite for Trustworthiness. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2018; 18:55-57. [PMID: 29621468 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2018.1431711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
|