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Cengiz N, Kabanda SM, Moodley K. Cross-border data sharing through the lens of research ethics committee members in sub-Saharan Africa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303828. [PMID: 38781141 PMCID: PMC11115285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303828] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several factors thwart successful data sharing-ambiguous or fragmented regulatory landscapes, conflicting institutional/researcher interests and varying levels of data science-related expertise are among these. Traditional ethics oversight mechanisms and practices may not be well placed to guarantee adequate research oversight given the unique challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Data-intensive research has raised new, contextual ethics and legal challenges that are particularly relevant in an African research setting. Yet, no empirical research has been conducted to explore these challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS We explored REC members' views and experiences on data sharing by conducting 20 semi-structured interviews online between June 2022 and February 2023. Using purposive sampling and snowballing, we recruited representatives across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed the data with Atlas.ti V22. RESULTS Three dominant themes were identified: (i) experiences in reviewing data sharing protocols, (ii) perceptions of data transfer tools and (iii) ethical, legal and social challenges of data sharing. Several sub-themes emerged as: (i.a) frequency of and approaches used in reviewing data sharing protocols, (i.b) practical/technical challenges, (i.c) training, (ii.a) ideal structure of data transfer tools, (ii.b) key elements of data transfer tools, (ii.c) implementation level, (ii.d) key stakeholders in developing and reviewing a data transfer agreement (DTA), (iii.a) confidentiality and anonymity, (iii.b) consent, (iii.c) regulatory frameworks, and (iii.d) stigmatisation and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated variability in REC members' perceptions, suboptimal awareness of the existence of data protection laws and a unanimously expressed need for REC member training. To promote efficient data sharing within and across SSA, guidelines that incorporate ethical, legal and social elements need to be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and field experts, along with the training accreditation of REC members in the review of data-intensive protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nezerith Cengiz
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Siti M. Kabanda
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keymanthri Moodley
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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2
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Etchegary H, Darmonkov G, Simmonds C, Pullman D, Rahman P. Public attitudes towards genomic data sharing: results from a provincial online survey in Canada. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:81. [PMID: 37805493 PMCID: PMC10560413 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00967-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While genomic data sharing can facilitate important health research and discovery benefits, these must be balanced against potential privacy risks and harms to individuals. Understanding public attitudes and perspectives on data sharing is important given these potential risks and to inform genomic research and policy that aligns with public preferences and needs. METHODS A cross sectional online survey measured attitudes towards genomic data sharing among members of the general public in an Eastern Canadian province. RESULTS Results showed a moderate comfort level with sharing genomic data, usually into restricted scientific databases with controlled access. Much lower comfort levels were observed for sharing data into open or publicly accessible databases. While respondents largely approved of sharing genomic data for health research permitted by a research ethics board, many general public members were concerned with who would have access to their data, with higher rates of approval for access from clinical or academic actors, but much more limited approval of access from commercial entities or governments. Prior knowledge about sequencing and about research ethics boards were both related to data sharing attitudes. CONCLUSIONS With evolving regulations and guidelines for genomics research and data sharing, it is important to consider the perspectives of participants most impacted by these changes. Participant information materials and informed consent documents must be explicit about the safeguards in place to protect genomic data and the policies governing the sharing of data. Increased public awareness of the role of research ethics boards and of the need for genomic data sharing more broadly is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Etchegary
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
| | - Georgia Darmonkov
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Charlene Simmonds
- Research Initiatives and Services, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Daryl Pullman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Proton Rahman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
- Eastern Regional Health Authority, Memorial University and Rheumatologist, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
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3
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Maxwell L, Shreedhar P, Dauga D, McQuilton P, Terry RF, Denisiuk A, Molnar-Gabor F, Saxena A, Sansone SA. FAIR, ethical, and coordinated data sharing for COVID-19 response: a scoping review and cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 data sharing platforms and registries. Lancet Digit Health 2023; 5:e712-e736. [PMID: 37775189 PMCID: PMC10552001 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(23)00129-2] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Data sharing is central to the rapid translation of research into advances in clinical medicine and public health practice. In the context of COVID-19, there has been a rush to share data marked by an explosion of population-specific and discipline-specific resources for collecting, curating, and disseminating participant-level data. We conducted a scoping review and cross-sectional survey to identify and describe COVID-19-related platforms and registries that harmonise and share participant-level clinical, omics (eg, genomic and metabolomic data), imaging data, and metadata. We assess how these initiatives map to the best practices for the ethical and equitable management of data and the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) principles for data resources. We review gaps and redundancies in COVID-19 data-sharing efforts and provide recommendations to build on existing synergies that align with frameworks for effective and equitable data reuse. We identified 44 COVID-19-related registries and 20 platforms from the scoping review. Data-sharing resources were concentrated in high-income countries and siloed by comorbidity, body system, and data type. Resources for harmonising and sharing clinical data were less likely to implement FAIR principles than those sharing omics or imaging data. Our findings are that more data sharing does not equate to better data sharing, and the semantic and technical interoperability of platforms and registries harmonising and sharing COVID-19-related participant-level data needs to improve to facilitate the global collaboration required to address the COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Maxwell
- Heidelberger Institut für Global Health, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Priya Shreedhar
- Heidelberger Institut für Global Health, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter McQuilton
- Oxford e-Research Centre, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert F Terry
- TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alisa Denisiuk
- Faculty of Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Susanna-Assunta Sansone
- Oxford e-Research Centre, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Reeves J, Treharne GJ, Ratima M, Theodore R, Edwards W, Poulton R. A one-size-fits-all approach to data-sharing will not suffice in lifecourse research: a grounded theory study of data-sharing from the perspective of participants in a 50-year-old lifecourse study about health and development. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:118. [PMID: 37194009 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data-sharing is increasingly encouraged or required by funders and journals. Data-sharing is more complicated for lifecourse studies that rely upon ongoing participation, but little is known about perspectives on data-sharing among participants of such studies. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore perspectives on data-sharing of participants in a birth cohort study. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study when aged between 45 and 48 years. Interviews were led by the Director of the Dunedin Study and involved questions about different scenarios for data-sharing. The sample consisted of nine Dunedin Study members who are Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand) and 16 who are non-Māori. RESULTS Principles of grounded theory were applied to develop a model of participant perspectives on data-sharing. The model consists of three factors that inform a core premise that a one-size-fits-all approach to data-sharing will not suffice in lifecourse research. Participants suggested that data-sharing decisions should depend on the cohort and might need to be declined if any one Dunedin Study member was opposed (factor 1). Participants also expressed a proven sense of trust in the researchers and raised concerns about loss of control once data have been shared (factor 2). Participants described a sense of balancing opportunities for public good against inappropriate uses of data, highlighting variability in perceived sensitivity of data, and thus a need to take this into account if sharing data (factor 3). CONCLUSIONS Communal considerations within cohorts, loss of control over shared data, and concerns about inappropriate uses of shared data need to be addressed through detailed informed consent before data-sharing occurs for lifecourse studies, particularly where this has not been established from the start of the study. Data-sharing may have implications for the retention of participants in these studies and thus may impact on the value of long-term sources of knowledge about health and development. Researchers, ethics committees, journal editors, research funders, and government policymakers need to consider participants' views when balancing the proposed benefits of data-sharing against the potential risks and concerns of participants in lifecourse research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Reeves
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, Aotearoa, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Gareth J Treharne
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, Aotearoa, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Mihi Ratima
- Te Pou Tiringa, New Plymouth, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Reremoana Theodore
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, Aotearoa, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Will Edwards
- Taumata Associates, New Plymouth, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, Aotearoa, 9054, New Zealand
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5
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Singh JA. Governance of adaptive platform trials. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19058.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive Clinical Trials (ACT) differ from conventional clinical trials because they permit continual modifications to key components of trial design during the trial. ACTs have grown in prevalence in recent years, with Adaptive Platform Trials (APTs), in particular, having demonstrated their significant scientific, clinical, and public health utility in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a steady increase in the number of regulations and guidelines aimed at guiding the conduct of clinical trials. However, despite the potential of APTs to expedite the testing of new interventions in emergency situations, there is a relative dearth of published literature on why and how such trials should be governed. This work attempts to address this knowledge gap.
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6
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Igumbor JO, Bosire EN, Vicente-Crespo M, Igumbor EU, Olalekan UA, Chirwa TF, Kinyanjui SM, Kyobutungi C, Fonn S. Considerations for an integrated population health databank in Africa: lessons from global best practices. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:214. [PMID: 35224211 PMCID: PMC8844538 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17000.1] [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] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The rising digitisation and proliferation of data sources and repositories cannot be ignored. This trend expands opportunities to integrate and share population health data. Such platforms have many benefits, including the potential to efficiently translate information arising from such data to evidence needed to address complex global health challenges. There are pockets of quality data on the continent that may benefit from greater integration. Integration of data sources is however under-explored in Africa. The aim of this article is to identify the requirements and provide practical recommendations for developing a multi-consortia public and population health data-sharing framework for Africa. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of global best practices and policies on data sharing and its optimisation. We searched eight databases for publications and undertook an iterative snowballing search of articles cited in the identified publications. The Leximancer software
© enabled content analysis and selection of a sample of the most relevant articles for detailed review. Themes were developed through immersion in the extracts of selected articles using inductive thematic analysis. We also performed interviews with public and population health stakeholders in Africa to gather their experiences, perceptions, and expectations of data sharing. Results: Our findings described global stakeholder experiences on research data sharing. We identified some challenges and measures to harness available resources and incentivise data sharing. We further highlight progress made by the different groups in Africa and identified the infrastructural requirements and considerations when implementing data sharing platforms. Furthermore, the review suggests key reforms required, particularly in the areas of consenting, privacy protection, data ownership, governance, and data access. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of inclusion, social justice, public good, data security, accountability, legislation, reciprocity, and mutual respect in developing a responsive, ethical, durable, and integrated research data sharing ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude O Igumbor
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa.,African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ehimario U Igumbor
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria.,School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Uthman A Olalekan
- Warwick-Centre for Applied Health Research and Delivery (WCAHRD), Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Tobias F Chirwa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | | | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
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7
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Lacey JV, Benbow JL. Invited Commentary: Standards, Inputs, and Outputs-Strategies for Improving Data-Sharing and Consortia-Based Epidemiologic Research. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:159-162. [PMID: 34435200 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab217] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Data-sharing improves epidemiologic research, but the sharing of data frustrates epidemiologic researchers. The inefficiencies of current methods and options for data-sharing are increasingly documented and easily understood by any study group that has shared its data and any researcher who has received shared data. In this issue of the Journal, Temprosa et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2021;191(1):147-158) describe how the Consortium of Metabolomics Studies (COMETS) developed and deployed a flexible analytical platform to eliminate key pain points in large-scale metabolomics research. COMETS Analytics includes an online tool, but its cloud computing and technology are the supporting rather than the leading actors in this script. The COMETS team identified the need to standardize diverse and inconsistent metabolomics and covariate data and models across its many participating cohort studies, and then developed a flexible tool that gave its member studies choices about how they wanted to meet the consortium's analytical requirements. Different specialties will have different specific research needs and will probably continue to use and develop an array of diverse analytical and technical solutions for their projects. COMETS Analytics shows how important-and enabling-the upstream attention to data standards and data consistency is to producing high-quality metabolomics, consortia-based, and large-scale epidemiology research.
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8
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Plana A, Furner B, Palese M, Dussault N, Birz S, Graglia L, Kush M, Nicholson J, Hecker-Nolting S, Gaspar N, Rasche M, Bisogno G, Reinhardt D, Zwaan CM, Koscielniak E, Frazier AL, Janeway K, S Hawkins D, Kolb EA, Cohn SL, Pearson ADJ, Volchenboum SL. Pediatric Cancer Data Commons: Federating and Democratizing Data for Childhood Cancer Research. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2021; 5:1034-1043. [PMID: 34662145 DOI: 10.1200/cci.21.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The international pediatric oncology community has a long history of research collaboration. In the United States, the 2019 launch of the Children's Cancer Data Initiative puts the focus on developing a rich and robust data ecosystem for pediatric oncology. In this spirit, we present here our experience in constructing the Pediatric Cancer Data Commons (PCDC) to highlight the significance of this effort in fighting pediatric cancer and improving outcomes and to provide essential information to those creating resources in other disease areas. The University of Chicago's PCDC team has worked with the international research community since 2015 to build data commons for children's cancers. We identified six critical features of successful data commons design and implementation: (1) establish the need for a data commons, (2) develop and deploy the technical infrastructure, (3) establish and implement governance, (4) make the data commons platform easy and intuitive for researchers, (5) socialize the data commons and create working knowledge and expertise in the research community, and (6) plan for longevity and sustainability. Data commons are critical to conducting research on large patient cohorts that will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for children with cancer. There is value in connecting high-quality clinical and phenotype data to external sources of data such as genomic, proteomics, and imaging data. Next steps for the PCDC include creating an informed and invested data-sharing culture, developing sustainable methods of data collection and sharing, standardizing genetic biomarker reporting, incorporating radiologic and molecular analysis data, and building models for electronic patient consent. The methods and processes described here can be extended to any clinical area and provide a blueprint for others wishing to develop similar resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Plana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Brian Furner
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Monica Palese
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Nicole Dussault
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Suzi Birz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Luca Graglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Maura Kush
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - James Nicholson
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stefanie Hecker-Nolting
- Klinikum Stuttgart-Olgahospital, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin; Pädiatrie 5 (Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart Cancer Center, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nathalie Gaspar
- Département of Oncology for Child and Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Mareike Rasche
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatrics III, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatrics III, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ewa Koscielniak
- Klinikum Stuttgart-Olgahospital, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin; Pädiatrie 5 (Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart Cancer Center, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine Janeway
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - E Anders Kolb
- Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrew D J Pearson
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom.,retired
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9
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Devriendt T, Shabani M, Borry P. Data Sharing in Biomedical Sciences: A Systematic Review of Incentives. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:219-227. [PMID: 33926229 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The lack of incentives has been described as the rate-limiting step for data sharing. Currently, the evaluation of scientific productivity by academic institutions and funders has been heavily reliant upon the number of publications and citations, raising questions about the adequacy of such mechanisms to reward data generation and sharing. This article provides a systematic review of the current and proposed incentive mechanisms for researchers in biomedical sciences and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were queried for original research articles, editorials, and opinion articles on incentives for data sharing. Articles were included if they discussed incentive mechanisms for data sharing, were applicable to biomedical sciences, and were written in English. Results: Although coauthorship in return for the sharing of data is common, this might be incompatible with authorship guidelines and raise concerns over the ability of secondary analysts to contest the proposed research methods or conclusions that are drawn. Data publication, citation, and altmetrics have been proposed as alternative routes to credit data generators, which could address these disadvantages. Their primary downsides are that they are not well-established, it is difficult to acquire evidence to support their implementation, and that they could be gamed or give rise to novel forms of research misconduct. Conclusions: Alternative recognition mechanisms need to be more commonly used to generate evidence on their power to stimulate data sharing, and to assess where they fall short. There is ample discussion in policy documents on alternative crediting systems to work toward Open Science, which indicates that that there is an interest in working out more elaborate metascience programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Devriendt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mahsa Shabani
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Metamedica, Faculty of Law and Criminology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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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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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharing de-identified individual-level health research data is widely promoted and has many potential benefits. However there are also some potential harms, such as misuse of data and breach of participant confidentiality. One way to promote the benefits of sharing while ameliorating its potential harms is through the adoption of a managed access approach where data requests are channeled through a Data Access Committee (DAC), rather than making data openly available without restrictions. A DAC, whether a formal or informal group of individuals, has the responsibility of reviewing and assessing data access requests. Many individual groups, consortiums, institutional and independent DACs have been established but there is currently no widely accepted framework for their organization and function. MAIN TEXT We propose that DACs, should have the role of both promotion of data sharing and protection of data subjects, their communities, data producers, their institutions and the scientific enterprise. We suggest that data access should be granted by DACs as long as the data reuse has potential social value and provided there is low risk of foreseeable harms. To promote data sharing and to motivate data producers, DACs should encourage secondary uses that are consistent with the interests of data producers and their own institutions. Given the suggested roles of DACs, there should be transparent, simple and clear application procedures for data access. The approach to review of applications should be proportionate to the potential risks involved. DACs should be established within institutional and legal frameworks with clear lines of accountability, terms of reference and membership. We suggest that DACs should not be modelled after research ethics committees (RECs) because their functions and goals of review are different from those of RECs. DAC reviews should be guided by the principles of public health ethics instead of research ethics. CONCLUSIONS In this paper we have suggested a framework under which DACs should operate, how they should be organised, and how to constitute them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jan Piasecki
- Department of Philosophy and Bioethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Michalowskiego 12, Krakow, Poland
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12
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Alter G, Gonzalez-Beltran A, Ohno-Machado L, Rocca-Serra P. The Data Tags Suite (DATS) model for discovering data access and use requirements. Gigascience 2020; 9:giz165. [PMID: 32031623 PMCID: PMC7006671 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz165] [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: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data reuse is often controlled to protect the privacy of subjects and patients. Data discovery tools need ways to inform researchers about restrictions on data access and re-use. RESULTS We present elements in the Data Tags Suite (DATS) metadata schema describing data access, data use conditions, and consent information. DATS metadata are explained in terms of the administrative, legal, and technical systems used to protect confidential data. CONCLUSIONS The access and use metadata items in DATS are designed from the perspective of a researcher who wants to find and re-use existing data. We call for standard ways of describing informed consent and data use agreements that will enable automated systems for managing research data.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Alter
- University of Michigan, ICPSR 330 Packard Street, Ann Arbor MI 48104, USA
| | - Alejandra Gonzalez-Beltran
- Science and Technology Facilities Council, Scientific Computing Department, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, 0X11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Lucila Ohno-Machado
- University of California, San Diego, Division of Biomedical Informatics, 9500 Gilman Dr. MC 0728, La Jolla CA 92093-0728, USA
| | - Philippe Rocca-Serra
- Oxford e-Research Centre University of Oxford 7 Keble Road, Oxford, OX1 3QG United Kingdom
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13
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Arenas AE, Goh JM, Matthews B. Identifying the business model dimensions of data sharing: A value‐based approach. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.24180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Mein Goh
- Beedie School of BusinessSimon Fraser University Burnaby Canada
| | - Brian Matthews
- Scientific Computing DepartmentScience and Technology Facilities Council Didcot United Kingdom
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14
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Dijkers MP. A beginner's guide to data stewardship and data sharing. Spinal Cord 2019; 57:169-182. [PMID: 30723254 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A narrative review of principles, benefits and disadvantages, as well as methods of research data sharing. OBJECTIVES To assist prospective Spinal Cord authors and others with understanding and implementing data sharing, so that various benefits of such sharing can accrue to all spinal cord injury research stakeholders. SETTING International. METHODS The medical research and health care services literature was reviewed nonsystematically for relevant articles, and web sites were explored for information and services offered by various pertinent organizations. RESULTS Grant makers, professional organizations, research journals, publishers, and other entities in the research field increasingly stress the ethics as well as societal and practical benefits of data sharing, and require researchers to do so within a reasonable time after data collection ends. Sharing data, retrospectively, generally requires much time and resources, but when a data management plan is part of a research proposal from the start, costs are limited, and grant makers allow these costs to be part of a budget. There are many organizations that offer information on or even assist with preparing data for sharing and actual deposit in a data repository. CONCLUSIONS The requirement of data sharing is not likely to go away, and researchers interested in submitting their reports to Spinal Cord would do well to familiarize themselves with the myriad practical issues involved in preparing data for sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel P Dijkers
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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15
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Sharing data for future research-engaging participants' views about data governance beyond the original project: a DIRECT Study. Genet Med 2018; 21:1131-1138. [PMID: 30262927 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-018-0299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Biomedical data governance strategies should ensure that data are collected, stored, and used ethically and lawfully. However, research participants' preferences for how data should be governed is least studied. The Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (DIRECT) project collected substantial amounts of health and genetic information from patients at risk of, and with type II diabetes. We conducted a survey to understand participants' future data governance preferences. Results will inform the postproject data governance strategy. METHODS A survey was distributed in Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. RESULTS In total 855 surveys were returned. Ninety-seven percent were supportive of sharing data postproject, and 90% were happy to share data with universities, and 56% with commercial companies. The top three priorities for data sharing were highly secure database, DIRECT researchers to monitor data used by other researchers, and researchers cannot identify participants. Respondents frequently suggested that a postproject Data Access Committee should involve a DIRECT researcher, diabetes clinician, patient representative, and a DIRECT participant. CONCLUSION Preferences of how data should be governed, and what data could be shared and with whom varied between countries. Researchers are considered as key custodians of participant data. Engaging participants aids in designing governance to support their choices.
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16
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Takashima K, Maru Y, Mori S, Mano H, Noda T, Muto K. Ethical concerns on sharing genomic data including patients' family members. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:61. [PMID: 29914459 PMCID: PMC6006763 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Platforms for sharing genomic and phenotype data have been developed to promote genomic research, while maximizing the utility of existing datasets and minimizing the burden on participants. The value of genomic analysis of trios or family members has increased, especially in rare diseases and cancers. This article aims to argue the necessity of protection when sharing data from both patients and family members. Main text Sharing patients’ and family members’ data collectively raises an ethical tension between the value of datasets and the rights of participants, and increases the risk of re-identification. However, current data-sharing policies have no specific safeguards or provisions for familial data sharing. A quantitative survey conducted on 10,881 general adults in Japan indicated that they expected stronger protection mechanisms when their family members’ clinical and/or genomic data were shared together, as compared to when only their data were shared. A framework that respects decision-making and the right of withdrawal of participants, including family members, along with ensuring usefulness and security of data is needed. To enable this, we propose recommendations on ancillary safeguards for familial data sharing according to the stakeholders, namely, initial researchers, genomic researchers, data submitters, database operators, institutional review boards, and the public and participants. Conclusions Families have played significant roles in genetic research, and its value is re-illuminated in the era of genomic medicine. It is important to make progress in data sharing while simultaneously protecting the privacy and interests of patients and families, and return its benefits to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Takashima
- Department of Public Policy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Shirokanedai 4-6-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan. .,Medical Genomics Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Maru
- Department of Regional Policy, Faculty of Regional Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami, Tottori, 680-8551, Japan
| | - Seiichi Mori
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mano
- National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kaori Muto
- Department of Public Policy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Shirokanedai 4-6-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
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17
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Borry P, Bentzen HB, Budin-Ljøsne I, Cornel MC, Howard HC, Feeney O, Jackson L, Mascalzoni D, Mendes Á, Peterlin B, Riso B, Shabani M, Skirton H, Sterckx S, Vears D, Wjst M, Felzmann H. The challenges of the expanded availability of genomic information: an agenda-setting paper. J Community Genet 2018; 9:103-116. [PMID: 28952070 PMCID: PMC5849701 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-017-0331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in microarray and sequencing technologies are making genotyping and genome sequencing more affordable and readily available. There is an expectation that genomic sequencing technologies improve personalized diagnosis and personalized drug therapy. Concurrently, provision of direct-to-consumer genetic testing by commercial providers has enabled individuals' direct access to their genomic data. The expanded availability of genomic data is perceived as influencing the relationship between the various parties involved including healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, individuals, families, industry, and government. This results in a need to revisit their roles and responsibilities. In a 1-day agenda-setting meeting organized by the COST Action IS1303 "Citizen's Health through public-private Initiatives: Public health, Market and Ethical perspectives," participants discussed the main challenges associated with the expanded availability of genomic information, with a specific focus on public-private partnerships, and provided an outline from which to discuss in detail the identified challenges. This paper summarizes the points raised at this meeting in five main parts and highlights the key cross-cutting themes. In light of the increasing availability of genomic information, it is expected that this paper will provide timely direction for future research and policy making in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Institute for Human Genomics and Society, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - 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
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo, Norway
| | - Isabelle Budin-Ljøsne
- Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O Box 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
- Cohort Studies, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martina C Cornel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Section of Community Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Carmen Howard
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oliver Feeney
- Centre of Bioethical Research and Analysis (COBRA), National University of Ireland (Galway), Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Leigh Jackson
- RILD Building, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Deborah Mascalzoni
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Álvaro Mendes
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC-UnIGENe and Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigida Riso
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIES-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mahsa Shabani
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Institute for Human Genomics and Society, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heather Skirton
- Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Sigrid Sterckx
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Danya Vears
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Institute for Human Genomics and Society, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Wjst
- Helmholtz Center Munich, National Research Centre for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Felzmann
- Centre of Bioethical Research and Analysis (COBRA), National University of Ireland (Galway), Galway, Republic of Ireland
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Kaye J, Terry SF, Juengst E, Coy S, Harris JR, Chalmers D, Dove ES, Budin-Ljøsne I, Adebamowo C, Ogbe E, Bezuidenhout L, Morrison M, Minion JT, Murtagh MJ, Minari J, Teare H, Isasi R, Kato K, Rial-Sebbag E, Marshall P, Koenig B, Cambon-Thomsen A. Including all voices in international data-sharing governance. Hum Genomics 2018. [PMID: 29514717 PMCID: PMC5842530 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-018-0143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Governments, funding bodies, institutions, and publishers have developed a number of strategies to encourage researchers to facilitate access to datasets. The rationale behind this approach is that this will bring a number of benefits and enable advances in healthcare and medicine by allowing the maximum returns from the investment in research, as well as reducing waste and promoting transparency. As this approach gains momentum, these data-sharing practices have implications for many kinds of research as they become standard practice across the world. Main text The governance frameworks that have been developed to support biomedical research are not well equipped to deal with the complexities of international data sharing. This system is nationally based and is dependent upon expert committees for oversight and compliance, which has often led to piece-meal decision-making. This system tends to perpetuate inequalities by obscuring the contributions and the important role of different data providers along the data stream, whether they be low- or middle-income country researchers, patients, research participants, groups, or communities. As research and data-sharing activities are largely publicly funded, there is a strong moral argument for including the people who provide the data in decision-making and to develop governance systems for their continued participation. Conclusions We recommend that governance of science becomes more transparent, representative, and responsive to the voices of many constituencies by conducting public consultations about data-sharing addressing issues of access and use; including all data providers in decision-making about the use and sharing of data along the whole of the data stream; and using digital technologies to encourage accessibility, transparency, and accountability. We anticipate that this approach could enhance the legitimacy of the research process, generate insights that may otherwise be overlooked or ignored, and help to bring valuable perspectives into the decision-making around international data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kaye
- Centre for Health Law and Emerging Technologies, NDPH, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7DD, UK. .,Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia.
| | - Sharon F Terry
- Genetic Alliance USA, 4301 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 404, Washington DC, 20008-2369, USA
| | - Eric Juengst
- Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 333 McNider Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7240, USA
| | - Sarah Coy
- Centre for Health Law and Emerging Technologies, NDPH, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7DD, UK
| | - Jennifer R Harris
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - Don Chalmers
- Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 89, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Edward S Dove
- School of Law, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Isabelle Budin-Ljøsne
- Cohort Studies, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - Clement Adebamowo
- Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.,Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 W. Lombard St. Suite 445, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Emilomo Ogbe
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Gent, De Pintepark II, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Louise Bezuidenhout
- Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, University of Oxford, 64 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6PN, UK
| | - Michael Morrison
- Centre for Health Law and Emerging Technologies, NDPH, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7DD, UK
| | - Joel T Minion
- Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences (PEALS) Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Madeleine J Murtagh
- Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences (PEALS) Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Jusaku Minari
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Harriet Teare
- Centre for Health Law and Emerging Technologies, NDPH, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7DD, UK.,Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Rosario Isasi
- Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Department of Human Genetics, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Biomedical Research Building (BRB) Room 361, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Kazuto Kato
- Department of Biomedical Ethics and Public Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Emmanuelle Rial-Sebbag
- National Institute for Research and Health (Inserm), UMR 1027 Inserm, Toulouse University, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Patricia Marshall
- Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, TA200, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4976, USA
| | - Barbara Koenig
- UCSF School of Nursing, Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 Calif. St, Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - Anne Cambon-Thomsen
- CNRS, Toulouse, France; Joint research unit on epidemiology and public health, Inserm (National Institute for Health and Medical Research) and University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Heeney C, Kerr SM. Balancing the local and the universal in maintaining ethical access to a genomics biobank. BMC Med Ethics 2017; 18:80. [PMID: 29282045 PMCID: PMC5745812 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-017-0240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Issues of balancing data accessibility with ethical considerations and governance of a genomics research biobank, Generation Scotland, are explored within the evolving policy landscape of the past ten years. During this time data sharing and open data access have become increasingly important topics in biomedical research. Decisions around data access are influenced by local arrangements for governance and practices such as linkage to health records, and the global through policies for biobanking and the sharing of data with large-scale biomedical research data resources and consortia. METHODS We use a literature review of policy relevant documents which apply to the conduct of biobanks in two areas: support for open access and the protection of data subjects and researchers managing a bioresource. We present examples of decision making within a biobank based upon observations of the Generation Scotland Access Committee. We reflect upon how the drive towards open access raises ethical dilemmas for established biorepositories containing data and samples from human subjects. RESULTS Despite much discussion in science policy literature about standardisation, the contextual aspects of biobanking are often overlooked. Using our engagement with GS we demonstrate the importance of local arrangements in the creation of a responsive ethical approach to biorepository governance. We argue that governance decisions regarding access to the biobank are intertwined with considerations about maintenance and viability at the local level. We show that in addition to the focus upon ever more universal and standardised practices, the local expertise gained in the management of such repositories must be supported. CONCLUSIONS A commitment to open access in genomics research has found almost universal backing in science and health policy circles, but repositories of data and samples from human subjects may have to operate under managed access, to protect privacy, align with participant consent and ensure that the resource can be managed in a sustainable way. Data access committees need to be reflexive and flexible, to cope with changing technology and opportunities and threats from the wider data sharing environment. To understand these interactions also involves nurturing what is particular about the biobank in its local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Heeney
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, High School Yards, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1LZ UK
| | - Shona M. Kerr
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 2XU UK
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Morrison M, Bell J, George C, Harmon S, Munsie M, Kaye J. The European General Data Protection Regulation: challenges and considerations for iPSC researchers and biobanks. Regen Med 2017; 12:693-703. [PMID: 28976812 PMCID: PMC5857917 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2017-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their associated genetic and clinical information are being used in a wide range of applications, with large biobanks being established to support and increase their scientific use. The new European General Data Protection Regulations, which comes into effect in 2018, will have implications for biobanks that generate, store and allow research access to iPSC. This paper describes some of the challenges that iPSC biobanks face and suggests some points for the development of appropriate governance structures to address these new requirements. These suggestions also have implications for iPSC research in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Morrison
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, HeLEX – Center for Health, Law & Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DD, UK
| | - Jessica Bell
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, HeLEX – Center for Health, Law & Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DD, UK
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Carol George
- School of Law, Kenyon Mason Institute for Medicine, Life Sciences & Law, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Shawn Harmon
- School of Law, Kenyon Mason Institute for Medicine, Life Sciences & Law, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Megan Munsie
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Stem Cells Center for Stem Cell Systems, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jane Kaye
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, HeLEX – Center for Health, Law & Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Ewert House, Ewert Place, Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DD, UK
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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21
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Expanding Access to Large-Scale Genomic Data While Promoting Privacy: A Game Theoretic Approach. Am J Hum Genet 2017; 100:316-322. [PMID: 28065469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging scientific endeavors are creating big data repositories of data from millions of individuals. Sharing data in a privacy-respecting manner could lead to important discoveries, but high-profile demonstrations show that links between de-identified genomic data and named persons can sometimes be reestablished. Such re-identification attacks have focused on worst-case scenarios and spurred the adoption of data-sharing practices that unnecessarily impede research. To mitigate concerns, organizations have traditionally relied upon legal deterrents, like data use agreements, and are considering suppressing or adding noise to genomic variants. In this report, we use a game theoretic lens to develop more effective, quantifiable protections for genomic data sharing. This is a fundamentally different approach because it accounts for adversarial behavior and capabilities and tailors protections to anticipated recipients with reasonable resources, not adversaries with unlimited means. We demonstrate this approach via a new public resource with genomic summary data from over 8,000 individuals-the Sequence and Phenotype Integration Exchange (SPHINX)-and show that risks can be balanced against utility more effectively than with traditional approaches. We further show the generalizability of this framework by applying it to other genomic data collection and sharing endeavors. Recognizing that such models are dependent on a variety of parameters, we perform extensive sensitivity analyses to show that our findings are robust to their fluctuations.
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22
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Garlid AO, Polson JS, Garlid KD, Hermjakob H, Ping P. Equipping Physiologists with an Informatics Tool Chest: Toward an Integerated Mitochondrial Phenome. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 240:377-401. [PMID: 27995389 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the complex involvement of mitochondrial biology in disease development often requires the acquisition, analysis, and integration of large-scale molecular and phenotypic data. An increasing number of bioinformatics tools are currently employed to aid in mitochondrial investigations, most notably in predicting or corroborating the spatial and temporal dynamics of mitochondrial molecules, in retrieving structural data of mitochondrial components, and in aggregating as well as transforming mitochondrial centric biomedical knowledge. With the increasing prevalence of complex Big Data from omics experiments and clinical cohorts, informatics tools have become indispensable in our quest to understand mitochondrial physiology and pathology. Here we present an overview of the various informatics resources that are helping researchers explore this vital organelle and gain insights into its form, function, and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Olav Garlid
- The NIH BD2K Center of Excellence in Biomedical Computing at UCLA, Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Polson
- The NIH BD2K Center of Excellence in Biomedical Computing at UCLA, Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Keith D Garlid
- The NIH BD2K Center of Excellence in Biomedical Computing at UCLA, Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Henning Hermjakob
- The NIH BD2K Center of Excellence in Biomedical Computing at UCLA, Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Systems Cluster, European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, UK
| | - Peipei Ping
- The NIH BD2K Center of Excellence in Biomedical Computing at UCLA, Departments of Physiology, Medicine, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Registered access: a 'Triple-A' approach. Eur J Hum Genet 2016; 24:1676-1680. [PMID: 27677416 PMCID: PMC5117919 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2016.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a standard model for a novel data access tier – registered access – to facilitate access to data that cannot be published in open access archives owing to ethical and legal risk. Based on an analysis of applicable research ethics and other legal and administrative frameworks, we discuss the general characteristics of this Registered Access Model, which would comprise a three-stage approval process: Authentication, Attestation and Authorization. We are piloting registered access with the Demonstration Projects of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health for which it may provide a suitable mechanism for access to certain data types and to different types of data users.
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Analysis of five years of controlled access and data sharing compliance at the International Cancer Genome Consortium. Nat Genet 2016; 48:224-5. [PMID: 26906679 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
This paper makes the case for implementing an internal governance framework for sharing materials and data in stem cell research consortia. A governance framework can facilitate a transparent and accountable system while building trust among partner institutions. However, avoiding excessive bureaucracy is essential. The development and implementation of a governance framework for materials and data access in the Stem cells for Biological Assays of Novel drugs and prediCtive toxiCology (StemBANCC) consortium is presented as a practical example. The StemBANCC project is a multi-partner European research consortium, which aims to build a resource of 1,500 well characterised induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines for in vitro disease modelling and toxicology studies. The project governance framework was developed in two stages. A small working group identified key components of a framework and translated the project legal agreements into a draft policy document. The second phase allowed input from all consortium partners to shape the iterative development of a final policy document that could be agreed by all parties. Careful time management strategies were needed to manage the duration of this component. This part of the process also served as an exploratory space where different options could be proposed, potential gaps in planning identified, and project co-ordination activities specified.
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Shabani M, Knoppers BM, Borry P. From the principles of genomic data sharing to the practices of data access committees. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:507-9. [PMID: 25759363 PMCID: PMC4492813 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201405002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sharing genomic research data through controlled-access databases has increased in recent years. Policymakers and funding organizations endorse genomic data sharing in order to optimize the use of public funds and to increase the statistical power of databases. Well-established data access arrangements and data access committees (DACs)-responsible for reviewing and managing requests for access to genomic databases-are therefore central for implementing the policies and principles of data sharing. This article aims to investigate the functionality of DACs through the perspective of existing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Shabani
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Shabani M, Borry P. “You want the right amount of oversight”: interviews with data access committee members and experts on genomic data access. Genet Med 2016; 18:892-7. [DOI: 10.1038/gim.2015.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Kaye J, Muddyman D, Smee C, Kennedy K, Bell J. 'Pop-Up' Governance: developing internal governance frameworks for consortia: the example of UK10K. LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2015; 11:10. [PMID: 26412243 PMCID: PMC4584211 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-015-0028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Innovations in information technologies have facilitated the development of new styles of research networks and forms of governance. This is evident in genomics where increasingly, research is carried out by large, interdisciplinary consortia focussing on a specific research endeavour. The UK10K project is an example of a human genomics consortium funded to provide insights into the genomics of rare conditions, and establish a community resource from generated sequence data. To achieve its objectives according to the agreed timetable, the UK10K project established an internal governance system to expedite the research and to deal with the complex issues that arose. The project's governance structure exemplifies a new form of network governance called 'pop-up' governance. 'Pop-up' because: it was put together quickly, existed for a specific period, was designed for a specific purpose, and was dismantled easily on project completion. In this paper, we use UK10K to describe how 'pop-up' governance works on the ground and how relational, hierarchical and contractual governance mechanisms are used in this new form of network governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kaye
- HeLEX Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, HeLEX - Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| | | | - Carol Smee
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jessica Bell
- HeLEX Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Budin-Ljøsne I, Burton P, Isaeva J, Gaye A, Turner A, Murtagh MJ, Wallace S, Ferretti V, Harris JR. DataSHIELD: an ethically robust solution to multiple-site individual-level data analysis. Public Health Genomics 2014; 18:87-96. [PMID: 25532061 DOI: 10.1159/000368959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DataSHIELD (Data Aggregation Through Anonymous Summary-statistics from Harmonised Individual levEL Databases) has been proposed to facilitate the co-analysis of individual-level data from multiple studies without physically sharing the data. In a previous paper, we investigated whether DataSHIELD could protect participant confidentiality in accordance with UK law. In this follow-up paper, we investigate whether DataSHIELD addresses a broader range of ethics-related data-sharing concerns. METHODS Ethics-related data-sharing concerns of Institutional Review Boards, ethics experts, international research consortia and research participants were identified through a literature search and systematically examined at a multidisciplinary workshop to determine whether DataSHIELD proposes mechanisms which can address these concerns. RESULTS DataSHIELD addresses several ethics-related data-sharing concerns related to privacy, confidentiality, and the protection of the research participant's rights while sharing data and after the data have been shared. The data remain entirely under the direct management of the study that collected them. Data processing commands are strictly supervised, and the data are queried in a protected environment. Issues related to the return of individual research results when data are shared are eliminated; the responsibility for return remains at the study of origin. CONCLUSION DataSHIELD can provide an innovative and robust solution for addressing commonly encountered ethics-related data-sharing concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Budin-Ljøsne
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Genes and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Poste G, Compton CC, Barker AD. The national biomarker development alliance: confronting the poor productivity of biomarker research and development. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 15:211-8. [PMID: 25420639 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2015.974561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Making precision (personalized) medicine a routine clinical reality will require a comprehensive inventory of validated biomarkers and molecular diagnostic tests to stratify disease subtypes and improve accuracy in diagnosis and treatment selection. Realization of this promise has been hindered by the poor productivity of biomarker identification and validation. This situation reflects deficiencies that are pervasive across the entire spectrum of biomarker R&D, from discovery to clinical validation and in the failure of regulatory and reimbursement policies to accommodate new classes of biomarkers. The launch of the National Biomarker Development Alliance is the culmination of a 2-year review and consultation process involving diverse stakeholders to advance standards, best practices and guidelines to enhance biomarker discovery and validation by adoption of systems-based approaches and trans-sector collaboration between academia, clinical medicine and relevant private and public sector stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Poste
- NBDA, Arizona State University, SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 361, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA
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Shabani M, Bezuidenhout L, Borry P. Attitudes of research participants and the general public towards genomic data sharing: a systematic literature review. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 14:1053-65. [PMID: 25260013 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2014.961917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AIM Introducing data sharing practices into the genomic research arena has challenged the current mechanisms established to protect rights of individuals and triggered policy considerations. To inform such policy deliberations, soliciting public and research participants' attitudes with respect to genomic data sharing is a necessity. METHOD The main electronic databases were searched in order to retrieve empirical studies, investigating the attitudes of research participants and the public towards genomic data sharing through public databases. RESULTS In the 15 included studies, participants' attitudes towards genomic data sharing revealed the influence of a constellation of interrelated factors, including the personal perceptions of controllability and sensitivity of data, potential risks and benefits of data sharing at individual and social level and also governance level considerations. CONCLUSION This analysis indicates that future policy responses and recruitment practices should be attentive to a wide variety of concerns in order to promote both responsible and progressive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Shabani
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 BOX 7001, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Kahn MJ, Maurer R, Wartman SA, Sachs BP. A case for change: disruption in academic medicine. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2014; 89:1216-1219. [PMID: 25006713 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Disruptive technologies allow less expensive and more efficient processes to eventually dominate a market sector. The academic health center's tripartite mission of education, clinical care, and research is threatened by decreasing revenues and increasing expenses and is, as a result, ripe for disruption. The authors describe current disruptive technologies that threaten traditional operations at academic health centers and provide a prescription not only to survive, but also to prosper, in the face of disruptive forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Kahn
- Dr. Kahn is Peterman-Prosser Professor and senior associate dean, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Maurer is executive director, Levy-Rosenblum Institute, Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Wartman is president and CEO, Association of Academic Health Centers, Washington, DC. Dr. Sachs is senior lecturer, Harvard Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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