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Kalidasan V, Theva Das K. Advancing Precision Medicine with Gene and Cell Therapy in Malaysia: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:9-25. [PMID: 38047523 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.139] [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: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A new era of gene and cell therapy for treating human diseases has been envisioned for several decades. However, given that the technology can alter any DNA/cell in human beings, it poses specific ethical, legal, and social difficulties in its application. In Malaysia, current bioethics and medical ethics guidelines tackle clinical trials and biomedical research, medical genetic services, and stem cell research/therapy. However, no comprehensive framework and policy is available to cater to ethical gene and cell therapy in the country. Incorporating ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) would be crucial to guide the appropriate use of human gene and cell therapy in conjunction with precision medicine. Policy experts, scientists, bioethicists, and public members must debate the associated ELSI and the professional code of conduct while preserving human rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kalidasan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Kumitaa Theva Das
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
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Lee AR, Koo D, Kim IK, Lee E, Kim HH, Yoo S, Kim JH, Choi EK, Lee HY. Identifying facilitators of and barriers to the adoption of dynamic consent in digital health ecosystems: a scoping review. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:107. [PMID: 38041034 PMCID: PMC10693132 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00988-9] [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] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional consent practices face ethical challenges in continuously evolving digital health environments due to their static, one-time nature. Dynamic consent offers a promising solution, providing adaptability and flexibility to address these ethical concerns. However, due to the immaturity of the concept and accompanying technology, dynamic consent has not yet been widely used in practice. This study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers to adopting dynamic consent in real-world scenarios. METHODS This scoping review, conducted in December 2022, adhered to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, focusing on dynamic consent within the health domain. A comprehensive search across Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus yielded 22 selected articles based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The facilitators for the adoption of dynamic consent in digital health ecosystems were the provision of multiple consent modalities, personalized alternatives, continuous communication, and the dissemination of up-to-date information. Nevertheless, several barriers, such as consent fatigue, the digital divide, complexities in system implementation, and privacy and security concerns, needed to be addressed. This study also investigated current technological advancements and suggested considerations for further research aimed at resolving the remaining challenges surrounding dynamic consent. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic consent emerges as an ethically advantageous method for digital health ecosystems, driven by its adaptability and support for continuous, two-way communication between data subjects and consumers. Ethical implementation in real-world settings requires the development of a robust technical framework capable of accommodating the diverse needs of stakeholders, thereby ensuring ethical integrity and data privacy in the evolving digital health landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah Ra Lee
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Koo
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Kon Kim
- School of Computer Science & Engineering, College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjoo Lee
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ho Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyoung Yoo
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Medical Services, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Choi
- Department of Medical Humanities and Medical Education, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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Zee TW, Abdul Aziz MFB, Wei PC. Ethical challenges of conducting and reviewing human genomics research in Malaysia: An exploratory study. Dev World Bioeth 2023:10.1111/dewb.12435. [PMID: 37997006 PMCID: PMC11111594 DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Even though there is a significant amount of scholarly work examining the ethical issues surrounding human genomics research, little is known about its footing in Malaysia. This study aims to explore the experience of local researchers and research ethics committee (REC) members in developing it in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted from April to May 2021, and the data were thematically analysed. In advancing this technology, both genomics researchers and REC members have concerns over how this research is being developed in the country especially the absence of a clear ethical and regulatory framework at the national level as a guidance. However, this study argues that it is not a salient issue as there are international guidelines in existence and both researchers and RECs will benefit from a training on the guidelines to ensure genomics research can be developed in an ethical manner.
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Muller SHA, van Thiel GJMW, Mostert M, van Delden JJM. Dynamic consent, communication and return of results in large-scale health data reuse: Survey of public preferences. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231190997. [PMID: 37599899 PMCID: PMC10434987 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231190997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic consent forms a comprehensive, tailored approach for interacting with research participants. We conducted a survey study to inquire how research participants evaluate the elements of consent, information provision, communication and return of results within dynamic consent in a hypothetical health data reuse scenario. We distributed a digital questionnaire among a purposive sample of patient panel members. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics. Respondents favoured the potential to manage changing consent preferences over time. There was much agreement between people favouring closer and more specific control over data reuse approval and those in favour of broader approval, facilitated by an opt-out system or an independent data reuse committee. People want to receive more information about reuse, outcomes and return of results. Respondents supported an interactive model of research participation, welcoming regular, diverse and interactive forms of communication, like a digital communication platform. Approval for reuse and providing meaningful information, including meaningful return of results, are intricately related to facilitating better communication. Respondents favoured return of actionable research results. These findings emphasize the potential of dynamic consent for enabling participants to maintain control over how their data are being used for which purposes by whom. Allowing different options to shape a dynamic consent interface in health data reuse in a personalized manner is pivotal to accommodate plurality in a flexible though robust manner. Interaction via dynamic consent enables participants to tailor the elements of participation they deem relevant to their own preferences, engaging diverse perspectives, interests and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam HA Muller
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine JMW van Thiel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Mostert
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes JM van Delden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Azahar A, Mohd Yusof AN, Azhar ZI. A Preliminary Study to Explore the Informed Consent Approach and the Ethical Challenges in the Malaysian Biobanking for Research. Asian Bioeth Rev 2022; 15:141-154. [PMID: 37035484 PMCID: PMC10076458 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-022-00229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Since 2005, Malaysia has established several biobanks to keep in line with the advancement of biomedical research and development of biobanks in other countries such as the UK and the USA. Despite the establishment of several biobanks in Malaysia, little is known about the informed consent approach in biobanking research and its ethical challenges. This study aims to identify the approach in obtaining informed consent in the Malaysian biobanking for research and explore its ethical challenges. Using non-probability purposive sampling, an in-depth interview with the key informants was conducted in Klang Valley. Based on the interviews, broad consent is the main approach used in obtaining informed consent in biobanking for research in Malaysia and five major ethical challenges were identified. These challenges include the informants’ opinion on the current informed consent approach, understanding participants’ rights, the role of the research ethics committee, biobanking governance in Malaysia, and informants’ knowledge and awareness. In summary, there is a lack of understanding among those involved in biobanking on the ethical, legal, and social aspects of biobanking for research in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnah Azahar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Ethics and Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Aimi Nadia Mohd Yusof
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Ethics and Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Zahir Izuan Azhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
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Amin L, Olesen A, Mahadi Z, Ibrahim M. Current Status and Future Challenges of Biobank Research in Malaysia. Asian Bioeth Rev 2021; 13:297-315. [PMID: 34295385 PMCID: PMC8245627 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-021-00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of MyCohort in 2005 showed that there is a growing interest on the part of the Malaysian government in the creation of biobanks in the country. This project can be considered as the biggest and most comprehensive cohort study in Malaysia, where hundreds of thousands of human samples are stored for epidemiological and biomedical research. However, little is known about the current issues or the situation related to biobank research in Malaysia. There are pressing issues that need answers such as the governance of the national biobank as well as other privately owned biobanks in the nation, the public perspectives and perceptions regarding biobanks, and other matters such as the ethical, legal, and social issues related to biobank research. This article will highlight the status and issues related to biobank research in Malaysia and provide suggestions on future research practices that we feel need to be seriously considered. These suggestions are designed to advance and enlighten researchers' knowledge, as well as provide the public with information on issues associated to biobanking. Good governance increases public knowledge and trust, and religious acceptance of biobank research and accountability can lead to increased participation in biobank research. The direct implications of the discussion about the ethical, legal, and social issues of biobanks are pertinent for the foundation of knowledge relating to biobanks, as well as the forward gestures for future medicine for mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifah Amin
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Angelina Olesen
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Zurina Mahadi
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Maznah Ibrahim
- Pusat Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
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Favaretto M, De Clercq E, Gaab J, Elger BS. First do no harm: An exploration of researchers' ethics of conduct in Big Data behavioral studies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241865. [PMID: 33152039 PMCID: PMC7644008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Research ethics has traditionally been guided by well-established documents such as the Belmont Report and the Declaration of Helsinki. At the same time, the introduction of Big Data methods, that is having a great impact in behavioral research, is raising complex ethical issues that make protection of research participants an increasingly difficult challenge. By conducting 39 semi-structured interviews with academic scholars in both Switzerland and United States, our research aims at exploring the code of ethics and research practices of academic scholars involved in Big Data studies in the fields of psychology and sociology to understand if the principles set by the Belmont Report are still considered relevant in Big Data research. Our study shows how scholars generally find traditional principles to be a suitable guide to perform ethical data research but, at the same time, they recognized and elaborated on the challenges embedded in their practical application. In addition, due to the growing introduction of new actors in scholarly research, such as data holders and owners, it was also questioned whether responsibility to protect research participants should fall solely on investigators. In order to appropriately address ethics issues in Big Data research projects, education in ethics, exchange and dialogue between research teams and scholars from different disciplines should be enhanced. In addition, models of consultancy and shared responsibility between investigators, data owners and review boards should be implemented in order to ensure better protection of research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva De Clercq
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Schaefer GO. Ethics in the Era of Big Data. Asian Bioeth Rev 2019; 11:169-171. [PMID: 33717310 PMCID: PMC7747426 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-019-00092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Owen Schaefer
- Science, Health and Policy-relevant Ethics in Singapore (SHAPES), Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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