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Windsor L, Benoit E, Kwan P, Tan K, Richmond A. Protection of Participants in Community-Engaged Research by Institutional Review Boards: A Call for Action. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:S360-S365. [PMID: 38547467 PMCID: PMC11111368 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Windsor
- Liliane Windsor and Kevin Tan are with the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. Ellen Benoit is with the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ. Patchareeya Kwan is with the Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Al Richmond is with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
| | - Ellen Benoit
- Liliane Windsor and Kevin Tan are with the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. Ellen Benoit is with the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ. Patchareeya Kwan is with the Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Al Richmond is with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
| | - Patchareeya Kwan
- Liliane Windsor and Kevin Tan are with the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. Ellen Benoit is with the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ. Patchareeya Kwan is with the Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Al Richmond is with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
| | - Kevin Tan
- Liliane Windsor and Kevin Tan are with the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. Ellen Benoit is with the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ. Patchareeya Kwan is with the Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Al Richmond is with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
| | - Al Richmond
- Liliane Windsor and Kevin Tan are with the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. Ellen Benoit is with the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ. Patchareeya Kwan is with the Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Al Richmond is with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
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2
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De Poli C, Oyebode J. Research ethics and collaborative research in health and social care: Analysis of UK research ethics policies, scoping review of the literature, and focus group study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296223. [PMID: 38134129 PMCID: PMC10745183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Current research ethics frameworks were developed on the footprint of biomedical, experimental research and present several pitfalls when applied to non-experimental social sciences. This work explores how the normative principles underpinning policy and regulatory frameworks of research ethics and the related operational processes work in practice in the context of collaborative health and social care research. The work was organised in three phases. First, UK research ethics policy documents were analysed thematically, with themes further organised under the categories of 'Principles' and 'Processes'. Next, we conducted a scoping review of articles about research ethics in the context of collaborative health and social care research, published in English between 2010 and 2022. We then held an exploratory focus group with ten academic researchers with relevant experience to gather their views on how the research ethics system works in practice in England (UK). The thematic framework developed in the first phase supported the analysis of the articles included in the scoping review and of focus group data. The analysis of policy documents identified twelve themes. All were associated to both a principle and a related operational process. The scoping review identified 31 articles. Across these, some themes were barely acknowledged (e.g., Compliance with legislation). Other themes were extensively covered (e.g., The working of Research Ethics Committees), often to discuss issues and limitations in how, in practice, the research ethics system and its processes deal with collaborative research and to suggest options for improvement. Focus group data were largely consistent with the findings of the scoping review. This work provides evidence of the poor alignment between how the research ethics system is normatively expected to work and how it works in practice and offers options that could make research ethics more fit for purpose when addressing collaborative research in health and social care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara De Poli
- Department of Health Policy and Department of Social Policy, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Oyebode
- Faculty of Health Studies, Jan Oyebode, Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
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3
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Li I, Grady C. Integrating Community Perspectives on Inclusion and Protection into IRB Structures. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:94-97. [PMID: 37220374 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2201212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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4
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Brown KE, Fohner AE, Woodahl EL. Beyond the Individual: Community-Centric Approaches to Increase Diversity in Biomedical Research. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 113:509-517. [PMID: 36448873 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Community-centric approaches to engage underrepresented populations-including community engagement, community-level consent practices, and capacity development for research-are means to enhance diversity in biomedical research populations in a more ethical way. Low diversity is a known problem in biomedical research that presents challenges in translating the benefits of research to the global population. Through long-term partnerships built on trust and collaboration, communities who would otherwise avoid research may be more willing to participate. When communities are engaged in research as partners and research questions are motivated by community health priorities, research is more meaningful and research methods are more respectful. Conversely, a lack of consultation throughout the research process can further alienate the very communities that these efforts are designed to engage. A number of underserved populations-for example American Indian and Alaska Native peoples-may value the benefits of research to a community equally or more than individual benefits. A community's autonomy must be considered, particularly when that community is not adequately protected by traditional informed consent processes. Opportunities for capacity development to support collaborative partnerships between communities and researchers are required to support engagement and understanding of the research process. Changes to research processes and infrastructure that encourage a higher level of research oversight within the community should be supported. In this paper, we present approaches that may improve diversity and equitable access to research and the delivery of health innovations for people that have historically been left out of biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Brown
- L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Alison E Fohner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Public Health Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Erica L Woodahl
- L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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5
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Carniel J, Hickey A, Southey K, Brömdal A, Crowley-Cyr L, Eacersall D, Farmer W, Gehrmann R, Machin T, Pillay Y. The ethics review and the humanities and social sciences: disciplinary distinctions in ethics review processes. RESEARCH ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/17470161221147202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ethics review processes are frequently perceived as extending from codes and protocols rooted in biomedical disciplines. As a result, many researchers in the humanities and social sciences (HASS) find these processes to be misaligned, if not outrightly obstructive to their research. This leads some scholars to advocate against HASS participation in institutional review processes as they currently stand, or in their entirety. While ethics review processes can present a challenge to HASS researchers, these are not insurmountable and, in fact, present opportunities for ethics review boards (ERBs) to mediate their practices to better attend to the concerns of the HASS disciplines. By highlighting the potential value of the ethics review process in recognising the nuances and specificity across different forms of research, this article explores the generative possibilities of greater collaboration between HASS researchers and ERBs. Remaining cognisant of the epistemic and methodological differences that mark different disciplinary formations in turn will benefit the ethical conduct of all researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kim Southey
- University of Southern Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Will Farmer
- University of Southern Queensland, Australia
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6
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Chirico F, Bramstedt KA. Research ethics committees: A forum where scientists, editors, and policymakers can cooperate during pandemics. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2022; 62:230-232. [PMID: 35075922 PMCID: PMC9198667 DOI: 10.1177/00258024221075469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During public health pandemics such as COVID-19, cooperative behaviors among scientists, journal editors, policy makers and research ethics committees, are essential to promote scientific integrity and societal trust in translational research and resultant public health decisions. This cooperation is possible by expanding the current way of working to include stakeholders beyond the research team via community events and special communication channels sponsored by research ethics committees. Research ethics committees with wider communication channels, increased transparency, and enhanced knowledge exchange have the potential to improve research design, performance, dissemination, and ultimately public benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Chirico
- Post-graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale di Milano, Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, Milan, Italy
| | - Katrina A. Bramstedt
- Department of Medicine, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Grant S, Wendt KE, Leadbeater BJ, Supplee LH, Mayo-Wilson E, Gardner F, Bradshaw CP. Transparent, Open, and Reproducible Prevention Science. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2022; 23:701-722. [PMID: 35175501 PMCID: PMC9283153 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The field of prevention science aims to understand societal problems, identify effective interventions, and translate scientific evidence into policy and practice. There is growing interest among prevention scientists in the potential for transparency, openness, and reproducibility to facilitate this mission by providing opportunities to align scientific practice with scientific ideals, accelerate scientific discovery, and broaden access to scientific knowledge. The overarching goal of this manuscript is to serve as a primer introducing and providing an overview of open science for prevention researchers. In this paper, we discuss factors motivating interest in transparency and reproducibility, research practices associated with open science, and stakeholders engaged in and impacted by open science reform efforts. In addition, we discuss how and why different types of prevention research could incorporate open science practices, as well as ways that prevention science tools and methods could be leveraged to advance the wider open science movement. To promote further discussion, we conclude with potential reservations and challenges for the field of prevention science to address as it transitions to greater transparency, openness, and reproducibility. Throughout, we identify activities that aim to strengthen the reliability and efficiency of prevention science, facilitate access to its products and outputs, and promote collaborative and inclusive participation in research activities. By embracing principles of transparency, openness, and reproducibility, prevention science can better achieve its mission to advance evidence-based solutions to promote individual and collective well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Grant
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University Richard M, 1050 Wishard Blvd, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Kathleen E Wendt
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Evan Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Frances Gardner
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine P Bradshaw
- School of Education & Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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8
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Hoekstra F, Mrklas KJ, Khan M, McKay RC, Vis-Dunbar M, Sibley KM, Nguyen T, Graham ID, Gainforth HL. A review of reviews on principles, strategies, outcomes and impacts of research partnerships approaches: a first step in synthesising the research partnership literature. Health Res Policy Syst 2020; 18:51. [PMID: 32450919 PMCID: PMC7249434 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-0544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conducting research in partnership with stakeholders (e.g. policy-makers, practitioners, organisations, patients) is a promising and popular approach to improving the implementation of research findings in policy and practice. This study aimed to identify the principles, strategies, outcomes and impacts reported in different types of reviews of research partnerships in order to obtain a better understanding of the scope of the research partnership literature. Methods This review of reviews is part of a Coordinated Multicenter Team approach to synthesise the research partnership literature with five conceptually linked literature reviews. The main research question was ‘What principles, strategies, outcomes and impacts are reported in different types of research partnership approaches?’. We included articles describing a literature review of research partnerships using a systematic search strategy. We used an adapted version of the Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool to assess quality. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2018. Principles, strategies, outcomes and impacts were extracted from the included reviews and analysed using direct content analysis. Results We included 86 reviews using terms describing several research partnership approaches (e.g. community-based participatory research, participatory research, integrated knowledge translation). After the analyses, we synthesised 17 overarching principles and 11 overarching strategies and grouped them into one of the following subcategories: relationship between partners; co-production of knowledge; meaningful stakeholder engagement; capacity-building, support and resources; communication process; and ethical issues related to the collaborative research activities. Similarly, we synthesised 20 overarching outcomes and impacts on researchers, stakeholders, the community or society, and the research process. Conclusions This review of reviews is the first that presents overarching principles, strategies, outcomes and impacts of research partnerships. This review is unique in scope as we synthesised literature across multiple research areas, involving different stakeholder groups. Our findings can be used as a first step to guide the initiation and maintenance of research partnerships and to create a classification system of the key domains of research partnerships, which may improve reporting consistency in the research partnership literature. Trial registration This study is registered via Open Science Framework: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GVR7Y.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hoekstra
- School of Health & Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - K J Mrklas
- Strategic Clinical Networks™, System Innovation and Programs, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Khan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - R C McKay
- School of Health & Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - M Vis-Dunbar
- Library, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K M Sibley
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - T Nguyen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - I D Graham
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - H L Gainforth
- School of Health & Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada. .,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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9
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Special issues raised by evolving areas of clinical research. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PREPARING A CLINICAL RESEARCH PROTOCOL 2020. [PMCID: PMC7329119 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386935-7.00014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Each study presents its own set of ethical considerations. Certain kinds of ethical issues are inherent in particular areas of clinical research, regardless of specific ethical questions associated with a specific study. In this chapter, some of the most common special areas of clinical research are presented, highlighting the ethical issues most frequently associated with each.
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10
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Leadbeater BJ, Dishion T, Sandler I, Bradshaw CP, Dodge K, Gottfredson D, Graham PW, Lindstrom Johnson S, Maldonado-Molina MM, Mauricio AM, Smith EP. Ethical Challenges in Promoting the Implementation of Preventive Interventions: Report of the SPR Task Force. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2019; 19:853-865. [PMID: 29936579 PMCID: PMC6182388 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-018-0912-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Prevention science researchers and practitioners are increasingly engaged in a wide range of activities and roles to promote evidence-based prevention practices in the community. Ethical concerns invariably arise in these activities and roles that may not be explicitly addressed by university or professional guidelines for ethical conduct. In 2015, the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) Board of Directors commissioned Irwin Sandler and Tom Dishion to organize a series of roundtables and establish a task force to identify salient ethical issues encountered by prevention scientists and community-based practitioners as they collaborate to implement evidence-based prevention practices. This article documents the process and findings of the SPR Ethics Task Force and aims to inform continued efforts to articulate ethical practice. Specifically, the SPR membership and task force identified prevention activities that commonly stemmed from implementation and scale-up efforts. This article presents examples that illustrate typical ethical dilemmas. We present principles and concepts that can be used to frame the discussion of ethical concerns that may be encountered in implementation and scale-up efforts. We summarize value statements that stemmed from our discussion. We also conclude that the field of prevention science in general would benefit from standards and guidelines to promote ethical behavior and social justice in the process of implementing evidence-based prevention practices in community settings. It is our hope that this article serves as an educational resource for students, investigators, and Human Subjects Review Board members regarding some of the complexity of issues of fairness, equality, diversity, and personal rights for implementation of preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie J Leadbeater
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Cornett Building A241, 3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road), Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Tom Dishion
- Department of Psychology, REACH Institute, Arizona State University, 900 S. McAllister Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA
| | - Irwin Sandler
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 900 S. McAllister Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA
| | - Catherine P Bradshaw
- Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, 112-D Bavaro Hall, 417 Emmet Street South, PO Box 400260, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4260, USA
| | - Kenneth Dodge
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, 222 Rubenstein Hall, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Denise Gottfredson
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, 2220 LeFrak Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Phillip W Graham
- Drugs, Violence, and Delinquency Prevention Program, Center for Justice, Safety, and Resilience, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Lindstrom Johnson
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, PO Box 873701, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Mildred M Maldonado-Molina
- University of Florida, Institute for Child Health Policy and Family Data Center, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Anne M Mauricio
- REACH Institute, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 876005, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6005, USA
| | - Emilie Phillips Smith
- Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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11
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Yoon D. The Research Ethics Policy for the Effective Utilization of Research Equipment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOETHICS 2019. [DOI: 10.4018/ijt.2019070105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Proposed in this article is a solution and guideline for scientific misconduct prevention through a research ethics policy proposal for the effective utilization of research equipment. First, the scientific misconduct classification system for research equipment utilization is discussed and presented. Then, the results of the survey carried out targeting research equipment scientists for the analysis of the recognition of scientific misconduct in research equipment utilization are presented. For this survey, the non-probability sampling method was utilized for 60 research equipment scientists. The results of the survey conducted among research equipment scientists showed significant correlations among the variables for all the questionnaire items. This paper proposes a research ethics policy for scientific misconduct prevention and for the effective utilization of research equipment through scientific misconduct classification in relation to research equipment utilization, and based on the survey results from the research equipment scientists.
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12
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Øye C, Sørensen NØ, Dahl H, Glasdam S. Tight Ties in Collaborative Health Research Puts Research Ethics on Trial? A Discussion on Autonomy, Confidentiality, and Integrity in Qualitative Research. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1227-1235. [PMID: 30623753 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318822294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Collaborative research involving different stakeholders is increasingly becoming a preferred way of doing qualitative research to improve health care services. However, ethical research dilemmas arise when collaborative ties are tight. Based on lessons learned from two qualitative collaborative health care research projects in two different municipalities in Norway and Denmark, respectively, this article illuminates ethical research dilemmas around ethical principles and guidelines of autonomy (informed consent), confidentiality (anonymity), and integrity of research. Accordingly, there is a need to revisit and resume international ethical research guidelines formulated in the Declaration of Helsinki, when it comes to research guidelines of informed consent, anonymity, and integrity of research. Moreover, we suggest that collaborators contemplate and negotiate these ethical research issues to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, conflicts, and pressures when doing research with stakeholders when collaboration ties are tight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Øye
- 1 Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Hellen Dahl
- 1 Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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13
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Petrova M, Barclay S. Research approvals iceberg: how a 'low-key' study in England needed 89 professionals to approve it and how we can do better. BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:7. [PMID: 30678668 PMCID: PMC6346542 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0339-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The red tape and delays around research ethics and governance approvals frequently frustrate researchers yet, as the lesser of two evils, are largely accepted as unavoidable. Here we quantify aspects of the research ethics and governance approvals for one interview- and questionnaire-based study conducted in England which used the National Health Service (NHS) procedures and the electronic Integrated Research Application System (IRAS). We demonstrate the enormous impact of existing approvals processes on costs of studies, including opportunity costs to focus on the substantive research, and suggest directions for radical system change. MAIN TEXT We have recorded 491 exchanges with 89 individuals involved in research ethics and governance approvals, generating 193 pages of email text excluding attachments. These are conservative estimates (e.g. only records of the research associate were used). The exchanges were conducted outside IRAS, expected to be the platform where all necessary documents are provided and questions addressed. Importantly, the figures exclude the actual work of preparing the ethics documentation (such as the ethics application, information sheets and consent forms). We propose six areas of work to enable system change: 1. Support the development of a broad range of customised research ethics and governance templates to complement generic, typically clinical trials orientated, ones; 2. Develop more sophisticated and flexible frameworks for study classification; 3. Link with associated processes for assessment, feedback, monitoring and reporting, such as ones involving funders and patient and public involvement groups; 4. Invest in a new generation IT infrastructure; 5. Enhance system capacity through increasing online reviewer participation and training; and 6. Encourage researchers to quantify the approvals processes for their studies. CONCLUSION Ethics and governance approvals are burdensome for historical reasons and not because of the nature of the task. There are many opportunities to improve their efficiency and analytic depth in an age of innovation, increased connectivity and distributed working. If we continue to work under current systems, we are perpetuating, paradoxically, an unethical system of research approvals by virtue of its wastefulness and impoverished ethical debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Petrova
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK.
| | - Stephen Barclay
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK
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14
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Cascio MA, Racine E. Person-oriented research ethics: integrating relational and everyday ethics in research. Account Res 2018; 25:170-197. [PMID: 29451025 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2018.1442218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research ethics is often understood by researchers primarily through the regulatory framework reflected in the research ethics review process. This regulatory understanding does not encompass the range of ethical considerations in research, notably those associated with the relational and everyday aspects of human subject research. In order to support researchers in their effort to adopt a broader lens, this article presents a "person-oriented research ethics" approach. Five practical guideposts of person-oriented research ethics are identified, as follows: (1) respect for holistic personhood; (2) acknowledgement of lived world; (3) individualization; (4) focus on researcher-participant relationships; and (5) empowerment in decision-making. These guideposts are defined and illustrated with respect to different aspects of the research process (e.g., research design, recruitment, data collection). The person-oriented research ethics approach provides a toolkit to individual researchers, research groups, and research institutions in both biomedical and social science research wishing to expand their commitment to ethics in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ariel Cascio
- a Neuroethics Research Unit , Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) , Montréal , Québec , Canada.,b Neurology and Neurosurgery and Division of Experimental Medicine (Biomedical Ethics Unit) , McGill University, Montréal, Québec , Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- a Neuroethics Research Unit , Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) , Montréal , Québec , Canada.,b Neurology and Neurosurgery and Division of Experimental Medicine (Biomedical Ethics Unit) , McGill University, Montréal, Québec , Canada.,c Department of Medicine and Department of Social and Preventive Medicine , Université de Montréal, Montréal , Québec , Canada
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15
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Hadden KB, Prince L, James L, Holland J, Trudeau CR. Readability of Human Subjects Training Materials for Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2017; 13:95-100. [PMID: 29243548 DOI: 10.1177/1556264617742238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Institutions are required to ensure that persons involved in human subjects research receive appropriate human subjects protections training and education. Several organizations use the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program to fulfill training requirements. Most researchers find the CITI program too complex for community members who collaborate with researchers. This study aimed to determine the readability of CITI modules most frequently used in community-based participatory research (CBPR). The mean readability level of the CITI modules is 14.8 grade; CBPR readability levels ranged from 11.6 to 12.0 grade (sixth- to eighth-grade reading level is recommended). With a baseline objective measure, modifications can be made to improve the plain language quality and understandability of human subjects training modules for community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie B Hadden
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Latrina Prince
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Laura James
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jennifer Holland
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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