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Shen FX, Wolf SM, Bhavnani S, Deoni S, Elison JT, Fair D, Garwood M, Gee MS, Geethanath S, Kay K, Lim KO, Lockwood Estrin G, Luciana M, Peloquin D, Rommelfanger K, Schiess N, Siddiqui K, Torres E, Vaughan JT. Emerging ethical issues raised by highly portable MRI research in remote and resource-limited international settings. Neuroimage 2021; 238:118210. [PMID: 34062266 PMCID: PMC8382487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Smaller, more affordable, and more portable MRI brain scanners offer exciting opportunities to address unmet research needs and long-standing health inequities in remote and resource-limited international settings. Field-based neuroimaging research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can improve local capacity to conduct both structural and functional neuroscience studies, expand knowledge of brain injury and neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, and ultimately improve the timeliness and quality of clinical diagnosis and treatment around the globe. Facilitating MRI research in remote settings can also diversify reference databases in neuroscience, improve understanding of brain development and degeneration across the lifespan in diverse populations, and help to create reliable measurements of infant and child development. These deeper understandings can lead to new strategies for collaborating with communities to mitigate and hopefully overcome challenges that negatively impact brain development and quality of life. Despite the potential importance of research using highly portable MRI in remote and resource-limited settings, there is little analysis of the attendant ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI). To begin addressing this gap, this paper presents findings from the first phase of an envisioned multi-staged and iterative approach for creating ethical and legal guidance in a complex global landscape. Section 1 provides a brief introduction to the emerging technology for field-based MRI research. Section 2 presents our methodology for generating plausible use cases for MRI research in remote and resource-limited settings and identifying associated ELSI issues. Section 3 analyzes core ELSI issues in designing and conducting field-based MRI research in remote, resource-limited settings and offers recommendations. We argue that a guiding principle for field-based MRI research in these contexts should be including local communities and research participants throughout the research process in order to create sustained local value. Section 4 presents a recommended path for the next phase of work that could further adapt these use cases, address ethical and legal issues, and co-develop guidance in partnership with local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis X Shen
- Professor of Law and Faculty Member, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota; Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School; Executive Director, MGH Center for Law, Brain & Behavior USA.
| | - Susan M Wolf
- McKnight Presidential Professor of Law, Medicine & Public Policy; Faegre Baker Daniels Professor of Law; Professor of Medicine; Chair, Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Supriya Bhavnani
- Co-Principal Investigator, Child Development Group, Sangath, New Delhi, India
| | - Sean Deoni
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Research), Associate Professor of Diagnostic Imaging (Research), Brown University; Senior Program Officer, Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Discovery & Tools, Discovery & Translational Sciences, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation USA
| | - Jed T Elison
- Associate Professor, Institute of Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Damien Fair
- Redleaf Endowed Director, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain; Professor, Institute of Child Development, College of Education and Human Development; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Michael Garwood
- Malcolm B. Hanson Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Vice-Chair of Clinical Operations, Chief of Pediatric Radiology, Pediatric Imaging Research Center Director, Massachusetts General Hospital; Co-Director, Mass General Imaging Global Health Educational Programs USA
| | - Sairam Geethanath
- Associate Research Scientist, Columbia Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Columbia University USA
| | - Kendrick Kay
- Assistant Professor, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Professor, Vice-Chair of Research, Drs. T. J. and Ella M. Arneson Land-Grant Chair in Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota USA
| | - Georgia Lockwood Estrin
- Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London UK
| | - Monica Luciana
- Professor, Department of Psychology; Adjunct Faculty Member, Institute of Child Development; Core Faculty Member, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota USA
| | | | - Karen Rommelfanger
- Director, Neuroethics Program, Center for Ethics; Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University USA
| | - Nicoline Schiess
- Technical Officer, Brain Health Unit, World Health Organization Switzerland
| | - Khan Siddiqui
- Chief Medical Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Hyperfine USA
| | - Efraín Torres
- PhD Candidate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, NSF GRFP Fellow, University of Minnesota; Garwood Lab member USA
| | - J Thomas Vaughan
- Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology, Director of the Columbia Magnetic Resonance Research Center; Principal and Investigator and MR Platform Director of the Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University; Director of the High Field Imaging Lab, Nathan Kline Institute USA
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Neurodevelopmental effects of childhood malnutrition: A neuroimaging perspective. Neuroimage 2021; 231:117828. [PMID: 33549754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one in five children worldwide suffers from childhood malnutrition and its complications, including increased susceptibility to inflammation and infectious diseases. Due to improved early interventions, most of these children now survive early malnutrition, even in low-resource settings (LRS). However, many continue to exhibit neurodevelopmental deficits, including low IQ, poor school performance, and behavioral problems over their lifetimes. Most studies have relied on neuropsychological tests, school performance, and mental health and behavioral measures. Few studies, in contrast, have assessed brain structure and function, and to date, these have mainly relied on low-cost techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potentials (ERP). The use of more advanced methods of neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), has been limited by cost factors and lack of availability of these technologies in developing countries, where malnutrition is nearly ubiquitous. This report summarizes the current state of knowledge and evidence gaps regarding childhood malnutrition and the study of its impact on neurodevelopment. It may help to inform the development of new strategies to improve the identification, classification, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities in underserved populations at the highest risk for childhood malnutrition.
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Woods S, Hagger LE, McCormack P. Therapeutic misconception: hope, trust and misconception in paediatric research. HEALTH CARE ANALYSIS 2015; 22:3-21. [PMID: 22350619 DOI: 10.1007/s10728-012-0201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the therapeutic misconception (TM) has been well described over a period of approximately 20 years, there has been disagreement about its implications for informed consent to research. In this paper we review some of the history and debate over the ethical implications of TM but also bring a new perspective to those debates. Drawing upon our experience of working in the context of translational research for rare childhood diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we consider the ethical and legal implications of the TM for parental consent to research. In this situation, it is potentially the parent who is vulnerable to TM. In our analysis we not only consider the context of informed consent for research but also the wider environment in which the value of research is promoted, more broadly through the media but also more specifically through the communication strategies of patient organizations. All dissemination about developments in research for health runs the risk of portraying an overly optimistic view of the promise of biotechnological solutions and has the potential to encourage a 'collective' TM. In this paper we consider the challenge that TM presents to parents as well as explore the ethical and legal responsibilities of researchers to ensure an appropriately informed consent: compatible with a hopeful disposition of parents who consent for the their children whilst avoiding a blind and misleading optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Woods
- Policy Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre (PEALS), Newcastle University, 4th Floor Claremont Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK,
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A qualitative study of the views of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and childhood trauma on the consent process for a neurocognitive and neuroimaging study. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2013; 15:362-74. [PMID: 24252666 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423613000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the informed consent experiences of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and childhood trauma involved in a neurocognitive and neuroimaging study. BACKGROUND There is no previous research on the consent process for people with both HIV and childhood trauma, conditions that are syndemic in South Africa. Research on the consent process for each individual condition has shown that individuals with either of these conditions may be vulnerable research participants. This study aimed to investigate the opinions of the women involved in order to refine future consent processes and ensure that they are appropriate for this population. METHODS A qualitative semi-structured interview was conducted with women from Khayelitsha township in South Africa involved in a cohort study on neurocognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in HIV and childhood trauma, who agreed to participate in an interview immediately following their final study appointment. FINDINGS Aspects most frequently commented upon by participants during the interview were community recruitment, incentives for participation, quality of information provided, and misunderstandings and unexpected events. The overarching finding was that of therapeutic misconception; participants expected, and highlighted as incentives for participation, health benefits that were not part of the study. A minority of participants reported discomfort from questions concerning their traumatic experiences. Despite this, the consent process was well received and there was good understanding of confidentiality issues and the voluntariness of participation. CONCLUSION Full disclosure of true benefits from participation must be emphasised throughout the recruitment process. This is particularly important for participants with HIV who appear to participate because of perceived health incentives. Providing prior notification that questions about traumatic experiences will be asked may improve the experiences of participants. A generic but thoroughly conducted consent process is suitable in this population.
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Di Pietro NC, Illes J. Disclosing incidental findings in brain research: the rights of minors in decision-making. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 38:1009-13. [PMID: 24006134 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MRI is used routinely in research with children to generate new knowledge about brain development. The detection of unexpected brain abnormalities (incidental findings; IFs) in these studies presents unique challenges. While key issues surrounding incidence and significance, duty of care, and burden of disclosure have been addressed substantially for adults, less empirical data and normative analyses exist for minors who participate in minimal risk research. To identify ethical concerns and fill existing gaps, we conducted a comprehensive review of papers that focused explicitly on the discovery of IFs in minors. The discourse in the 21 papers retrieved for this analysis amply covered practical issues such as informed consent and screening, difficulties in ascertaining clinical significance, the economic costs and burden of responsibility on researchers, and risks (physical or psychological). However, we found little discussion about the involvement of minors in decisions about disclosure of IFs in the brain, especially for IFs of low clinical significance. In response, we propose a framework for managing IFs that integrates practical considerations with explicit appreciation of rights along the continuum of maturity. This capacity-adjusted framework emphasizes the importance of involving competent minors and respecting their right to make decisions about disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C Di Pietro
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; NeuroDevNet Inc., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Brakewood B, Poldrack RA. The ethics of secondary data analysis: considering the application of Belmont principles to the sharing of neuroimaging data. Neuroimage 2013; 82:671-6. [PMID: 23466937 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sharing of data is essential to increasing the speed of scientific discovery and maximizing the value of public investment in scientific research. However, the sharing of human neuroimaging data poses unique ethical concerns. We outline how data sharing relates to the Belmont principles of respect-for-persons, justice, and beneficence. Whereas regulators of human subjects research often view data sharing solely in terms of potential risks to subjects, we argue that the principles of human subject research require an analysis of both risks and benefits, and that such an analysis suggests that researchers may have a positive duty to share data in order to maximize the contribution that individual participants have made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Brakewood
- Imaging Research Center, University of Texas, 100 E. 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Wendler DS. Time to Stop Worrying about the Therapeutic Misconception. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1086/jce201223311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Schmidt MH, Downie J. Safety first: Recognizing and managing the risks to child participants in magnetic resonance imaging research. Account Res 2010; 16:153-73. [PMID: 20183159 DOI: 10.1080/08989620902984106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Specialized and up-to-date knowledge is required to identify and manage the risks associated with advanced biomedical research. Additional complexities need to be considered when the research involves infants or young children. In this article, we focus on recent information about the physical risks of pediatric magnetic resonance imaging research and highlight information gaps. With an eye to assisting institutional review boards and researchers, we consider strategies for the management of these risks and formulate key questions aimed at exposing hidden hazards. Institutional review boards should ask these questions, and researchers should bear them in mind as they develop research protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias H Schmidt
- Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Deslauriers C, Bell E, Palmour N, Pike B, Doyon J, Racine E. Perspectives of Canadian Researchers on Ethics Review of Neuroimaging Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2010; 5:49-66. [DOI: 10.1525/jer.2010.5.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current and potential uses of neuroimaging in healthcare and beyond have spurred discussion about the ethical issues related to neuroimaging and neuroimaging research. This study examined the perspectives of neuroimagers on ethical issues in their research and on the ethics review process. One hundred neuroimagers from 13 Canadian neuroscience centers completed an online survey and 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Neuroimagers felt that most ethical and social issues identified in the literature were dealt with adequately, well, and even very well by research ethics boards (REBs), but some issues such as incidental findings and transfer of knowledge were problematic. Neuroimagers reported a range of practical problems in the ethics review process. We aimed to gather perspectives from REB on the ethics review process, but insufficient participation by REBs prevented us from reporting their perspectives. Given shortcomings identified by neuroimagers as well as longstanding issues in Canadian ethics governance, we believe that substantial challenges exist in Canadian research ethics governance that jeopardize trust, communication, and the overall soundness of research ethics governance. Neuroimagers and REBs should consider their shared responsibilities in developing guidance to handle issues such as incidental findings, risk assessment, and knowledge transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Deslauriers
- Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
| | - E. Bell
- Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
| | - N. Palmour
- Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
| | | | | | - E. Racine
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Université de Montréal and McGill University
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Morgan AT, Reilly S, Eadie P, Watts A, Simpson C. Parental consent for neuroimaging in paediatric research. Child Care Health Dev 2010; 36:241-8. [PMID: 19645826 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2009.00997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly applied in paediatric research. Parents typically provide research consent for their children; yet, no study has examined the rates of consent, nor factors influencing parental decision making for consent. The present study aimed to determine the proportion of parents that would consent to their child undergoing an fMRI study, and to elicit the reasons, motivators and detractors affecting their decision. METHODS Ninety parents of children aged 6 years were invited to participate in a postal survey study. RESULTS Fifty-three parents (59%) responded and one-third (34%, 18/53) reported that they would consent. The main reason for consent was that participation could benefit children in the future (89%, 16/18). Common reasons for not consenting included that fMRI may be anxiety-provoking (54%), or was an unnecessary medical procedure (23%). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary data suggest that researchers may have to approach three times the number of participants required in order to recruit a suitable number of healthy children to fMRI studies. Further research examining the influence of recruitment approaches (e.g. phone vs. postal) and the various factors influencing decision making regarding consent is required. For example, careful examination of the language used in describing the procedure could facilitate parental understanding about fMRI and alleviate anxiety associated with the procedure. This is an important consideration for recruitment to future fMRI studies given that anxiety was a key factor influencing parental non-consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela T Morgan
- Language & Literacy Group, Healthy Development Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
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