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Wiertz S, Boldt J. Ethical, Legal, and Practical Concerns Surrounding the Implemention of New Forms of Consent for Health Data Research: Qualitative Interview Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52180. [PMID: 39110970 PMCID: PMC11339564 DOI: 10.2196/52180] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, within the scope of the General Data Protection Regulation, more and more digital infrastructures are created to allow for large-scale access to patients' health data and their use for research. When the research is performed on the basis of patient consent, traditional study-specific consent appears too cumbersome for many researchers. Alternative models of consent are currently being discussed and introduced in different contexts. OBJECTIVE This study explores stakeholder perspectives on ethical, legal, and practical concerns regarding models of consent for health data research at German university medical centers. METHODS Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted with medical researchers at German university medical centers, health IT specialists, data protection officers, and patient representatives. The interviews were analyzed using a software-supported structuring qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Stakeholders regarded broad consent to be only marginally less laborious to implement and manage than tiered consent. Patient representatives favored specific consent, with tiered consent as a possible alternative. All stakeholders lamented that information material was difficult to understand. Oral information and videos were mentioned as a means of improvement. Patient representatives doubted that researchers had a sufficient degree of data security expertise to act as sole information providers. They were afraid of undue pressure if obtaining health data research consent were part of medical appointments. IT specialists and other stakeholders regarded the withdrawal of consent to be a major challenge and called for digital consent management solutions. On the one hand, the transfer of health data to non-European countries and for-profit organizations is seen as a necessity for research. On the other hand, there are data security concerns with regard to these actors. Research without consent is legally possible under certain conditions but deemed problematic by all stakeholder groups, albeit for differing reasons and to different degrees. CONCLUSIONS More efforts should be made to determine which options of choice should be included in health data research consent. Digital tools could improve patient information and facilitate consent management. A unified and strict regulation for research without consent is required at the national and European Union level. Obtaining consent for health data research should be independent of medical appointments, and additional personnel should be trained in data security to provide information on health data research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wiertz
- Department of Medical Ethics and the History of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Boldt
- Department of Medical Ethics and the History of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Afraz A, Montazeri M, Shahrbabaki ME, Ahmadian L, Jahani Y. The viewpoints of parents of children with mental disorders regarding the confidentiality and security of their children's information in the Iranian national electronic health record system. Int J Med Inform 2024; 183:105334. [PMID: 38218129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105334] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electronic health records help collect and communicate patient information among healthcare providers. The confidentiality of information, especially for patients with mental disorders, is paramount due to its profound impacts on individuals' lives' social and personal aspects. This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints and concerns of parents of children with mental disorders regarding the confidentiality and security of their children's information in the Iranian National Electronic Health Record System (IEHRS). METHODS This is a survey study on parents or guardians of children with mental disorders who visited Kerman's specialised child psychiatry treatment centres. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with 28 questions organised in seven sections, including demographic information of parents, children's medical history, Internet use, knowledge about IEHRS, the necessity of data collection, IEHRS security concerns, and privacy concerns. The data were analysed in SPSS 24 software using descriptive statistics and logistic and ordinal regressions to assess the relationship between parents' demographic characteristics and their viewpoints regarding information security and confidentiality concerns. RESULTS The results showed that more than 85 % of the parents believed that the security of their children's information in IEHRS was moderate to high. More than two-thirds (71 %) of the parents also believed that IEHRS should tighten its privacy policies. Most participants (87 %) were concerned about their children's information security in IEHRS. In this study, the parents' concerns about the privacy and security of information in IEHRS were not significantly associated with their age, gender, or knowledge about IEHRS. CONCLUSIONS Most parents of children with mental disorders were concerned about the security and confidentiality of their children's information in IEHRS. Thus, health policymakers should maintain a high level of security and establish appropriate privacy and confidentiality rules in IEHRS. In addition, they should be transparent about the system's security mechanisms and confidentiality regulations to win public trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afraz
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Montazeri
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahin Eslami Shahrbabaki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Leila Ahmadian
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Yunes Jahani
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Biasiotto R, Viberg Johansson J, Alemu MB, Romano V, Bentzen HB, Kaye J, Ancillotti M, Blom JMC, Chassang G, Hallinan D, Jónsdóttir GA, Monasterio Astobiza A, Rial-Sebbag E, Rodríguez-Arias D, Shah N, Skovgaard L, Staunton C, Tschigg K, Veldwijk J, Mascalzoni D. Public Preferences for Digital Health Data Sharing: Discrete Choice Experiment Study in 12 European Countries. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47066. [PMID: 37995125 PMCID: PMC10704315 DOI: 10.2196/47066] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With new technologies, health data can be collected in a variety of different clinical, research, and public health contexts, and then can be used for a range of new purposes. Establishing the public's views about digital health data sharing is essential for policy makers to develop effective harmonization initiatives for digital health data governance at the European level. OBJECTIVE This study investigated public preferences for digital health data sharing. METHODS A discrete choice experiment survey was administered to a sample of European residents in 12 European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) from August 2020 to August 2021. Respondents answered whether hypothetical situations of data sharing were acceptable for them. Each hypothetical scenario was defined by 5 attributes ("data collector," "data user," "reason for data use," "information on data sharing and consent," and "availability of review process"), which had 3 to 4 attribute levels each. A latent class model was run across the whole data set and separately for different European regions (Northern, Central, and Southern Europe). Attribute relative importance was calculated for each latent class's pooled and regional data sets. RESULTS A total of 5015 completed surveys were analyzed. In general, the most important attribute for respondents was the availability of information and consent during health data sharing. In the latent class model, 4 classes of preference patterns were identified. While respondents in 2 classes strongly expressed their preferences for data sharing with opposing positions, respondents in the other 2 classes preferred not to share their data, but attribute levels of the situation could have had an impact on their preferences. Respondents generally found the following to be the most acceptable: a national authority or academic research project as the data user; being informed and asked to consent; and a review process for data transfer and use, or transfer only. On the other hand, collection of their data by a technological company and data use for commercial communication were the least acceptable. There was preference heterogeneity across Europe and within European regions. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the importance of transparency in data use and oversight of health-related data sharing for European respondents. Regional and intraregional preference heterogeneity for "data collector," "data user," "reason," "type of consent," and "review" calls for governance solutions that would grant data subjects the ability to control their digital health data being shared within different contexts. These results suggest that the use of data without consent will demand weighty and exceptional reasons. An interactive and dynamic informed consent model combined with oversight mechanisms may be a solution for policy initiatives aiming to harmonize health data use across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Biasiotto
- Institute for Biomedicine (Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck), Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jennifer Viberg Johansson
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Melaku Birhanu Alemu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Virginia Romano
- Institute for Biomedicine (Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck), Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Heidi Beate Bentzen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jane Kaye
- Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mirko Ancillotti
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Maria Catharina Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gauthier Chassang
- Ethics and Biosciences Platform (Genotoul Societal), Genotoul, Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health, UMR1295, Inserm, Toulouse, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm)/Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - Dara Hallinan
- FIZ Karlsruhe - Leibniz-Institut für Informationsinfrastruktur, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Rial-Sebbag
- Ethics and Biosciences Platform (Genotoul Societal), Genotoul, Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health, UMR1295, Inserm, Toulouse, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm)/Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nisha Shah
- Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lea Skovgaard
- Centre for Medical STS (MeST), Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ciara Staunton
- Institute for Biomedicine (Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck), Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- School of Law, University of Kwazulunatal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Katharina Tschigg
- Institute for Biomedicine (Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck), Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Jorien Veldwijk
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus Choice Modeling Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Deborah Mascalzoni
- Institute for Biomedicine (Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck), Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Rahdar S, Montazeri M, Mirzaee M, Ahmadian L. The relationship between e-health literacy and information technology acceptance, and the willingness to share personal and health information among pregnant women. Int J Med Inform 2023; 178:105203. [PMID: 37688834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105203] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many factors may affect pregnant women's willingness to accept information (IT) technology and share their personal and health information. One of these factors is their e-health literacy level. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between e-health literacy and IT acceptance, as well as the willingness of pregnant women to share their information. METHODS This survey was conducted among pregnant women visiting hospitals and private physicians' offices in Zahedan, Iran in 2019. Data were collected using a 4-part questionnaire with 66 questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression) statistics. RESULTS The mean scores of electronic health literacy, information technology acceptance, and willingness of pregnant women to share personal and health information were 27.43 ± 5.82, 145.49 ± 25.72, and 19.16 ± 5.47, respectively. There was a significant relationship between IT acceptance and information sharing, which means that with increasing IT acceptance, people were more willing to share their information. Also, the results showed that with the decrease in economic well-being, the willingness to share personal and health information decreases. CONCLUSION This study showed that with the increase in e-health literacy of pregnant women, their IT acceptance grows. Increasing IT acceptance improves their willingness to share their information. Setting and updating information-sharing rules and security mechanisms with the participation of people can help reduce concerns and increase public trust. Healthcare policymakers can encourage the use of health IT in the prevention and treatment of diseases by providing relevant education and informing people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Rahdar
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh Montazeri
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Moghadameh Mirzaee
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Leila Ahmadian
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Yang JH, Kim H, Lee I. Public perceptions and attitudes of the national project of bio-big data: A nationwide survey in the Republic of Korea. Front Genet 2023; 14:1081812. [PMID: 36911391 PMCID: PMC9995590 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1081812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The National Project of Bio-Big Data (NPBBD) is a South Korean bio-big data collection project, expected to include health, genomic, and lifelog data of one million Koreans. The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications study is a parallel study active since 2020. As part of the study, a public survey was conducted to evaluate public attitudes towards engagement schemes, such as public committees and web portals for communication between the public and researchers. Methods: An online survey was conducted from March 3-9, 2021, using structured questionnaires addressed to 1,000 adults aged 20-59 years. Results: Several respondents reported a positive attitude towards participation (43.6% "somewhat," 14.3% "definitely"), whereas approximately one-third (36.5%) reported a neutral attitude. Positive factors that may affect the willingness of the respondents to participate included receiving health information (25.1%), contributing to research on cancer and rare diseases (21.9%), and advancing personalized medicine (21.5%). Conversely, negative factors were mainly associated with concerns regarding the risk of data leakage (22.8%), discrimination (21.1%), lack of information (13.5%), possibility of knowing the risk of being diagnosed with an incurable diseases (12.5%), and possibility of using data in industry (11.3%). In terms of project governance, respondents tended to recognize the importance of public participation in incorporating public opinion into the project design. Conclusion: These results have implications for the participant recruitment process, public engagement strategies, and the scope of user (academics/industry, domestic/overseas) accessibility to the database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Yang
- Division of Medical Law and Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hannah Kim
- Division of Medical Law and Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ilhak Lee
- Division of Medical Law and Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Dove ES, Reed-Berendt R, Pareek M. "Data makes the story come to life:" understanding the ethical and legal implications of Big Data research involving ethnic minority healthcare workers in the United Kingdom-a qualitative study. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:136. [PMID: 36527096 PMCID: PMC9756740 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of UK-REACH ("The United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers") is to understand if, how, and why healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United Kingdom (UK) from ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. In this article, we present findings from the ethical and legal stream of the study, which undertook qualitative research seeking to understand and address legal, ethical, and social acceptability issues around data protection, privacy, and information governance associated with the linkage of HCWs' registration data and healthcare data. We interviewed 22 key opinion leaders in healthcare and health research from across the UK in two-to-one semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded using qualitative thematic analysis. Participants told us that a significant aspect of Big Data research in public health is varying drivers of mistrust-of the research itself, research staff and funders, and broader concerns of mistrust within participant communities, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and those situated in more marginalised community settings. However, despite the challenges, participants also identified ways in which legally compliant and ethically informed approaches to research can be crafted to mitigate or overcome mistrust and establish greater confidence in Big Data public health research. Overall, our research indicates that a "Big Data Ethics by Design" approach to research in this area can help assure (1) that meaningful community and participant engagement is taking place and that extant challenges are addressed, and (2) that any new challenges or hitherto unknown unknowns can be rapidly and properly considered to ensure potential (but material) harms are identified and minimised where necessary. Our findings indicate such an approach, in turn, will help drive better scientific breakthroughs that translate into medical innovations and effective public health interventions, which benefit the publics studied, including those who are often marginalised in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward S. Dove
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Edinburgh Law School, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL UK
| | - Ruby Reed-Berendt
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Edinburgh Law School, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL UK
| | - Manish Pareek
- grid.9918.90000 0004 1936 8411Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK ,grid.269014.80000 0001 0435 9078Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Nwebonyi N, Silva S, de Freitas C. Public Views About Involvement in Decision-Making on Health Data Sharing, Access, Use and Reuse: The Importance of Trust in Science and Other Institutions. Front Public Health 2022; 10:852971. [PMID: 35619806 PMCID: PMC9127133 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.852971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data-intensive and needs-driven research can deliver substantial health benefits. However, concerns with privacy loss, undisclosed surveillance, and discrimination are on the rise due to mounting data breaches. This can undermine the trustworthiness of data processing institutions and reduce people's willingness to share their data. Involving the public in health data governance can help to address this problem by imbuing data processing frameworks with societal values. This study assesses public views about involvement in individual-level decisions concerned with health data and their association with trust in science and other institutions. Methods Cross-sectional study with 162 patients and 489 informal carers followed at two reference centers for rare diseases in an academic hospital in Portugal (June 2019–March 2020). Participants rated the importance of involvement in decision-making concerning health data sharing, access, use, and reuse from “not important” to “very important”. Its association with sociodemographic characteristics, interpersonal trust, trust in national and international institutions, and the importance of trust in research teams and host institutions was tested. Results Most participants perceived involvement in decision-making about data sharing (85.1%), access (87.1%), use (85%) and reuse (79.9%) to be important or very important. Participants who ascribed a high degree of importance to trust in research host institutions were significantly more likely to value involvement in such decisions. A similar position was expressed by participants who valued trust in research teams for data sharing, access, and use. Participants with low levels of trust in national and international institutions and with lower levels of education attributed less importance to being involved in decisions about data use. Conclusion The high value attributed by participants to involvement in individual-level data governance stresses the need to broaden opportunities for public participation in health data decision-making, namely by introducing a meta consent approach. The important role played by trust in science and in other institutions in shaping participants' views about involvement highlights the relevance of pairing such a meta consent approach with the provision of transparent information about the implications of data sharing, the resources needed to make informed choices and the development of harm mitigation tools and redress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngozi Nwebonyi
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Departamento de Sociologia, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal.,Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia de Freitas
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology, University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), Lisbon, Portugal
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Köngeter A, Schickhardt C, Jungkunz M, Bergbold S, Mehlis K, Winkler EC. Patients’ willingness to provide their clinical data for research purposes and acceptance of different consent models: Findings from a representative survey of cancer patients in Germany (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37665. [PMID: 36006690 PMCID: PMC9459939 DOI: 10.2196/37665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Köngeter
- Section for Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schickhardt
- Section for Translational Medical Ethics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Jungkunz
- Section for Translational Medical Ethics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Bergbold
- Epidemiological Cancer Registry Baden-Württemberg, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Mehlis
- Section for Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Section for Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kalkman S, van Delden J, Banerjee A, Tyl B, Mostert M, van Thiel G. Patients' and public views and attitudes towards the sharing of health data for research: a narrative review of the empirical evidence. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2022; 48:3-13. [PMID: 31719155 PMCID: PMC8717474 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION International sharing of health data opens the door to the study of the so-called 'Big Data', which holds great promise for improving patient-centred care. Failure of recent data sharing initiatives indicates an urgent need to invest in societal trust in researchers and institutions. Key to an informed understanding of such a 'social license' is identifying the views patients and the public may hold with regard to data sharing for health research. METHODS We performed a narrative review of the empirical evidence addressing patients' and public views and attitudes towards the use of health data for research purposes. The literature databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched in April 2019 to identify relevant publications. Patients' and public attitudes were extracted from selected references and thematically categorised. RESULTS Twenty-seven papers were included for review, including both qualitative and quantitative studies and systematic reviews. Results suggest widespread-though conditional-support among patients and the public for data sharing for health research. Despite the fact that participants recognise actual or potential benefits of data research, they expressed concerns about breaches of confidentiality and potential abuses of the data. Studies showed agreement on the following conditions: value, privacy, risk minimisation, data security, transparency, control, information, trust, responsibility and accountability. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a social license for data-intensive health research cannot simply be presumed. To strengthen the social license, identified conditions ought to be operationalised in a governance framework that incorporates the diverse patient and public values, needs and interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Kalkman
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes van Delden
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Benoît Tyl
- Cardiovascular Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Menno Mostert
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine van Thiel
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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VandeVusse A, Mueller J, Karcher S. Qualitative Data Sharing: Participant Understanding, Motivation, and Consent. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:182-191. [PMID: 34847803 PMCID: PMC8739617 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211054058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Expectations to share data underlying studies are increasing, but research on how participants, particularly those in qualitative research, respond to requests for data sharing is limited. We studied research participants' willingness to, understanding of, and motivations for data sharing. As part of a larger qualitative study on abortion reporting, we conducted interviews with 64 cisgender women in two states in early 2020 and asked for consent to share de-identified data. At the end of interviews, we asked participants to reflect on their motivations for agreeing or declining to share their data. The vast majority of respondents consented to data sharing and reported that helping others was a primary motivation for agreeing to share their data. However, a substantial number of participants showed a limited understanding of the concept of "data sharing." Additional research is needed on how to improve participants' understanding of data sharing and thus ensure fully informed consent.
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Nunes Vilaza G, Coyle D, Bardram JE. Public Attitudes to Digital Health Research Repositories: Cross-sectional International Survey. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e31294. [PMID: 34714253 PMCID: PMC8590194 DOI: 10.2196/31294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital health research repositories propose sharing longitudinal streams of health records and personal sensing data between multiple projects and researchers. Motivated by the prospect of personalizing patient care (precision medicine), these initiatives demand broad public acceptance and large numbers of data contributors, both of which are challenging. Objective This study investigates public attitudes toward possibly contributing to digital health research repositories to identify factors for their acceptance and to inform future developments. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March 2020 to December 2020. Because of the funded project scope and a multicenter collaboration, study recruitment targeted young adults in Denmark and Brazil, allowing an analysis of the differences between 2 very contrasting national contexts. Through closed-ended questions, the survey examined participants’ willingness to share different data types, data access preferences, reasons for concern, and motivations to contribute. The survey also collected information about participants’ demographics, level of interest in health topics, previous participation in health research, awareness of examples of existing research data repositories, and current attitudes about digital health research repositories. Data analysis consisted of descriptive frequency measures and statistical inferences (bivariate associations and logistic regressions). Results The sample comprises 1017 respondents living in Brazil (1017/1600, 63.56%) and 583 in Denmark (583/1600, 36.44%). The demographics do not differ substantially between participants of these countries. The majority is aged between 18 and 27 years (933/1600, 58.31%), is highly educated (992/1600, 62.00%), uses smartphones (1562/1600, 97.63%), and is in good health (1407/1600, 87.94%). The analysis shows a vast majority were very motivated by helping future patients (1366/1600, 85.38%) and researchers (1253/1600, 78.31%), yet very concerned about unethical projects (1219/1600, 76.19%), profit making without consent (1096/1600, 68.50%), and cyberattacks (1055/1600, 65.94%). Participants’ willingness to share data is lower when sharing personal sensing data, such as the content of calls and texts (1206/1600, 75.38%), in contrast to more traditional health research information. Only 13.44% (215/1600) find it desirable to grant data access to private companies, and most would like to stay informed about which projects use their data (1334/1600, 83.38%) and control future data access (1181/1600, 73.81%). Findings indicate that favorable attitudes toward digital health research repositories are related to a personal interest in health topics (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% CI 1.10-2.02; P=.01), previous participation in health research studies (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.24-2.35; P=.001), and awareness of examples of research repositories (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.83-4.38; P<.001). Conclusions This study reveals essential factors for acceptance and willingness to share personal data with digital health research repositories. Implications include the importance of being more transparent about the goals and beneficiaries of research projects using and re-using data from repositories, providing participants with greater autonomy for choosing who gets access to which parts of their data, and raising public awareness of the benefits of data sharing for research. In addition, future developments should engage with and reduce risks for those unwilling to participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Nunes Vilaza
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Coyle
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jakob Eyvind Bardram
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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12
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Lysaght T, Ballantyne A, Xafis V, Ong S, Schaefer GO, Ling JMT, Newson AJ, Khor IW, Tai ES. "Who is watching the watchdog?": ethical perspectives of sharing health-related data for precision medicine in Singapore. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:118. [PMID: 33213433 PMCID: PMC7678103 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to examine the ethical concerns Singaporeans have about sharing health-data for precision medicine (PM) and identify suggestions for governance strategies. Just as Asian genomes are under-represented in PM, the views of Asian populations about the risks and benefits of data sharing are under-represented in prior attitudinal research. METHODS We conducted seven focus groups with 62 participants in Singapore from May to July 2019. They were conducted in three languages (English, Mandarin and Malay) and analysed with qualitative content and thematic analysis. RESULTS Four key themes emerged: nuanced understandings of data security and data sensitivity; trade-offs between data protection and research benefits; trust (and distrust) in the public and private sectors; and governance and control options. Participants were aware of the inherent risks associated with data sharing for research. Participants expressed conditional support for data sharing, including genomic sequence data and information contained within electronic medical records. This support included sharing data with researchers from universities and healthcare institutions, both in Singapore and overseas. Support was conditional on the perceived social value of the research and appropriate de-identification and data security processes. Participants suggested that a data sharing oversight body would help strengthen public trust and comfort in data research for PM in Singapore. CONCLUSION Maintenance of public trust in data security systems and governance regimes can enhance participation in PM and data sharing for research. Contrary to themes in much prior research, participants demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the inherent risks of data sharing, analysed trade-offs between risks and potential benefits of PM, and often adopted an international perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamra Lysaght
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Angela Ballantyne
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Vicki Xafis
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Serene Ong
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gerald Owen Schaefer
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ainsley J Newson
- Sydney Health Ethics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ing Wei Khor
- Department of Medicine,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - E Shyong Tai
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Morrison M, Mourby M, Gowans H, Coy S, Kaye J. Governance of research consortia: challenges of implementing Responsible Research and Innovation within Europe. LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2020; 16:13. [PMID: 33190636 PMCID: PMC7667809 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-020-00109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Responsible Research and Innovation ('RRI') is a cross-cutting priority for scientific research in the European Union and beyond. This paper considers whether the way such research is organised and delivered lends itself to the aims of RRI. We focus particularly on international consortia, which have emerged as a common model to organise large-scale, multi-disciplinary research in contemporary biomedical science. Typically, these consortia operate through fixed-term contracts, and employ governance frameworks consisting of reasonably standard, modular components such as management committees, advisory boards, and data access committees, to co-ordinate the activities of partner institutions and align them with funding agency priorities. These have advantages for organisation and management of the research, but can actively inhibit researchers seeking to implement RRI activities. Conventional consortia governance structures pose specific problems for meaningful public and participant involvement, data sharing, transparency, and 'legacy' planning to deal with societal commitments that persist beyond the duration of the original project. In particular, the 'upstream' negotiation of contractual terms between funders and the institutions employing researchers can undermine the ability for those researchers to subsequently make decisions about data, or participant remuneration, or indeed what happens to consortia outputs after the project is finished, and can inhibit attempts to make project activities and goals responsive to input from ongoing dialogue with various stakeholders. Having explored these challenges, we make some recommendations for alternative consortia governance structures to better support RRI in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Morrison
- Centre for Health, Law, and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miranda Mourby
- Centre for Health, Law, and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Gowans
- Centre for Health, Law, and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Coy
- Centre for Health, Law, and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Kaye
- Centre for Health, Law, and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX), Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Palk A, Illes J, Thompson PM, Stein DJ. Ethical issues in global neuroimaging genetics collaborations. Neuroimage 2020; 221:117208. [PMID: 32736000 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging genetics is a rapidly developing field that combines neuropsychiatric genetics studies with imaging modalities to investigate how genetic variation influences brain structure and function. As both genetic and imaging technologies improve further, their combined power may hold translational potential in terms of improving psychiatric nosology, diagnosis, and treatment. While neuroimaging genetics studies offer a number of scientific advantages, they also face challenges. In response to some of these challenges, global neuroimaging genetics collaborations have been created to pool and compare brain data and replicate study findings. Attention has been paid to ethical issues in genetics, neuroimaging, and multi-site collaborative research, respectively, but there have been few substantive discussions of the ethical issues generated by the confluence of these areas in global neuroimaging genetics collaborations. Our discussion focuses on two areas: benefits and risks of global neuroimaging genetics collaborations and the potential impact of neuroimaging genetics research findings in low- and middle-income countries. Global neuroimaging genetics collaborations have the potential to enhance relations between countries and address global mental health challenges, however there are risks regarding inequity, exploitation and data sharing. Moreover, neuroimaging genetics research in low- and middle-income countries must address the issue of feedback of findings and the risk of essentializing and stigmatizing interpretations of mental disorders. We conclude by examining how the notion of solidarity, informed by an African Ethics framework, may justify some of the suggestions made in our discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palk
- Department of Philosophy, Stellenbosch University, Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dan J Stein
- SA MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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15
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Mozersky J, Parsons M, Walsh H, Baldwin K, McIntosh T, DuBois JM. Research Participant Views regarding Qualitative Data Sharing. Ethics Hum Res 2020; 42:13-27. [PMID: 32233117 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We found no studies in the United States that explored research participants' perspectives about sharing their qualitative data. We present findings from interviews with 30 individuals who participated in sensitive qualitative studies to explore their understanding and concerns regarding qualitative data sharing. The vast majority supported sharing qualitative data so long as their data were deidentified and shared only among researchers. However, they raised concerns about confidentiality if the data were not adequately deidentified and about misuse by secondary users if data were shared beyond the research community. These concerns, though, did not deter them from participating in research. Notably, participants hoped their data would be shared and may have expected or assumed this was already happening. While many could not recollect details about data-sharing plans for studies in which they participated, they trusted researchers and institutions to appropriately handle data sharing. If individuals view data sharing as an extension or integral part of their participation in qualitative research, then researchers may have a stronger obligation to share qualitative data than previously thought. Guidelines and tools to assist researchers and institutional review board members in ethical and responsible qualitative data sharing are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mozersky
- Assistant professor of medicine at the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Meredith Parsons
- Senior public health research technician at the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Heidi Walsh
- Senior project manager at the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Kari Baldwin
- Clinical research coordinator II at the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Tristan McIntosh
- Instructor at the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
| | - James M DuBois
- Steven J. Bander professor of medical ethics and directs the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine
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16
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Broes S, Verbaanderd C, Casteels M, Lacombe D, Huys I. Sharing of Clinical Trial Data and Samples: The Cancer Patient Perspective. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:33. [PMID: 32118017 PMCID: PMC7026937 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Today, many initiatives and papers are devoted to clinical trial data (and to a lesser extent sample) sharing. Journal editors, pharmaceutical companies, funding agencies, governmental organizations, regulators, and clinical investigators have been debating the legal, ethical, and social implications of clinical data and sample sharing for several years. However, only little research has been conducted to unveil the patient perspective. Aim: To substantiate the current debate, we aimed to explore the attitudes of patients toward the re-use of clinical trial samples and data and to determine how they would prefer to be involved in this process. Materials and Methods: Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with cancer patients currently participating in a clinical trial. Results: This study indicates a general willingness of cancer patients participating in a clinical trial to allow re-use of their clinical trial data and/or samples by the original research team, and a generally open approach to share data and/or samples with other research teams, but some would like to be informed in this case. Despite divergent opinions about how patients prefer to be engaged, ranging from passive donors up to those explicitly wanting more control, participants expressed positive opinions toward technical solutions that allow indicating their preferences. Conclusion: Patients were open to sharing and re-use of data and samples to advance medical research but opinions varied on the level of patient involvement and the need for re-consent. A stratified approach for consent that allows individualization of data and sample sharing preferences may be useful, yet the implementation of such an approach warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Broes
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ciska Verbaanderd
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Anticancer Fund, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Minne Casteels
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Denis Lacombe
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Petersen C. User-focused data sharing agreements: a foundation for the genomic future. JAMIA Open 2020; 2:402-406. [PMID: 32025634 PMCID: PMC6993993 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Data sharing agreements that clearly describe what individuals are agreeing to and what responsibilities data stewards will undertake are crucial for the establishment, maintenance, and flourishing of genomic datasets. To optimize genomic data resources, researchers, care professionals, and informaticians must regard system design, user objectives, and environmental considerations through users' eyes, identifying fundamental values on which to build and potential barriers to success that must be avoided. Design of agreements that promote desired data sharing and protect valuable data resources as necessary begins with a review of user interests and concerns. Nontraditional approaches for informed consent (eg, abbreviated informed consent, electronic informed consent, and dynamic consent) can facilitate achievement of data donors' privacy-related goals while making data available to researchers. Transparency in individual-researcher interactions, recognition and accommodation of cultural differences, and identification of shared needs and goals create a foundation for data sharing agreements that work over short and long terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Petersen
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Global Business Solutions, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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18
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Bearth A, Siegrist M. Psychological factors that determine people's willingness-to-share genetic data for research. Clin Genet 2019; 97:483-491. [PMID: 31833061 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Of all the information that we share, health and genetic data might be among the most valuable for researchers. As data are handled as particularly sensitive information, a number of pressing issues regarding people's preferences and privacy concerns are raised. The goal of the present study was to contribute to an understanding of people's reported willingness-to-share genetic data for science (WTS). For this, predictive psychological factors (eg, risk and benefit perceptions, trust, knowledge) were investigated in an online survey (N = 416). Overall, participants seemed willing to provide their genetic data for research. Participants who perceived more benefits associated with data sharing were particularly willing to share their data for research (β = .29), while risk perceptions were less influential (β = -.14). As participants with higher knowledge of the potential uses of genetic data for research perceived more benefits (β = .20), WTS can likely be improved by providing people with information regarding the usefulness of genetic data for research. In addition to knowledge and perceptions, trust in data recipients increased people's willingness-to-share directly (β = .24). Especially in the sensitive area of genetic data, future research should strive to understand people's shifting perceptions and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bearth
- Consumer Behavior, Institute for Environmental Decisions, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Siegrist
- Consumer Behavior, Institute for Environmental Decisions, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Karampela M, Ouhbi S, Isomursu M. Connected Health User Willingness to Share Personal Health Data: Questionnaire Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e14537. [PMID: 31774410 PMCID: PMC6906622 DOI: 10.2196/14537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connected health has created opportunities for leveraging health data to deliver preventive and personalized health care services. The increasing number of personal devices and advances in measurement technologies contribute to an exponential growth in digital health data. The practices for sharing data across the health ecosystem are evolving as there are more opportunities for using such data to deliver responsive health services. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore user attitudes toward sharing personal health data (PHD). The study was executed within the first year after the implementation of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legal framework. METHODS The authors analyzed the results of an online questionnaire survey to explore the willingness of 8004 people using connected health services across four European countries to share their PHD and the conditions under which they would be willing to do so. RESULTS Our findings indicate that the majority of users are willing to share their personal PHD for scientific research (1811/8004, 22.63%). Age, education level, and occupation of the participants, in addition to the level of digitalization in their country were found to be associated with data sharing attitudes. CONCLUSIONS Positive attitudes toward data sharing for scientific research can be perceived as an indication of trust established between users and academia. Nevertheless, the interpretation of data sharing attitudes is a complex process, related to and influenced by various factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Ouhbi
- United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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