1
|
Appiah R, Raviola G, Weobong B. Balancing Ethics and Culture: A Scoping Review of Ethico-Cultural and Implementation Challenges of the Individual-Based Consent Model in African Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2024; 19:143-172. [PMID: 38497301 PMCID: PMC11298123 DOI: 10.1177/15562646241237669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective: This review explores the ethico-cultural and implementation challenges associated with the individual-based informed consent (IC) model in the relatively collectivistic African context and examines suggested approaches to manage them. Methods: We searched four databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 to 2023 that examined the ethico-cultural and implementation challenges associated with the IC model in Africa. Results: Findings suggest that the individual-based IC model largely misaligns with certain African social values and ethos and subverts the authority and functions of community gatekeepers. Three recommendations were proffered to manage these challenges, that researchers should: adopt a multi-step approach to IC, conduct a rapid ethical assessment, and generate an African-centered IC model. Conclusions: A pluriversal, context-specific, multi-step IC model that critically harmonizes the cultural values of the local population and the general principles of IC can minimize ethics dumping, safeguard the integrity of the research process, and promote respectful engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Appiah
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Center for African Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Giuseppe Raviola
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benedict Weobong
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pratt B, de Vries J. Where is knowledge from the global South? An account of epistemic justice for a global bioethics. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:325-334. [PMID: 36657964 PMCID: PMC10176400 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The silencing of the epistemologies, theories, principles, values, concepts and experiences of the global South constitutes a particularly egregious epistemic injustice in bioethics. Our shared responsibility to rectify that injustice should be at the top of the ethics agenda. That it is not, or only is in part, is deeply problematic and endangers the credibility of the entire field. As a first step towards reorienting the field, this paper offers a comprehensive account of epistemic justice for global health ethics. We first introduce several different conceptions of justice and decolonisation in relation to knowledge, purposefully drawing on work emanating from the global South as well as the global North. We then apply those conceptions to the global health ethics context to generate a tripartite account of the layers of epistemic justice in the field: who is producing ethics knowledge; what theories and concepts are being applied to produce ethics knowledge; and whose voices are sought, recorded and used to generate ethics knowledge. These layers reflect that the field spans conceptual and empirical research. We conclude by proposing that, going forward, three avenues are key to achieve greater epistemic justice at each layer and to help decolonise global health ethics: namely, understanding the problem, dialogue and structural change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Pratt
- Queensland Bioethics Centre, Australian Catholic University - Brisbane Campus, Banyo, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Ethics Lab, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ewuoso C, Wonkam A, de Vries J. Epistemic justice, African values and feedback of findings in African genomics research. Glob Bioeth 2022; 33:122-132. [PMID: 36185769 PMCID: PMC9518233 DOI: 10.1080/11287462.2022.2124019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This article draws on key normative principles grounded in important values – solidarity, partiality and friendliness – in African philosophy to think critically and deeply about the ethical challenges around returning individual genetic research findings in African genomics research. Precisely, we propose that the normative implication of solidarity, partiality and friendliness is that returning findings should be considered as a gesture of goodwill to participants to the extent that it constitutes acting for their well-being. Concretely, the value of friendliness may imply that one ought to return actionable results to participants even when their preferences regarding feedback are unknown. Notwithstanding, returning individual genetic results will have a cost implication. The cost of feeding back is relevant in the context of African genomics research projects, which are often funded by international sponsors and should be researched further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Ewuoso
- Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stoeklé HC, Hervé C. Bioethics after the COVID-19 pandemic: More research, fewer committees? CLINICAL ETHICS 2022; 17:327-330. [PMID: 38603418 PMCID: PMC9597279 DOI: 10.1177/14777509221134243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the face of the pandemic, bioethics, once again, proved its scientific utility. In France, in particular, the academic approach (= peer-reviewed, scientific publications, etc.) should be given priority over the institutional approach (= public surveys, public meetings, etc.), in hospitals, research institutes, universities, and companies, with the professionalization that this would imply (i.e. bioethicists).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri-Corto Stoeklé
- Department of Ethics and Scientific
Integrity, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Christian Hervé
- Department of Ethics and Scientific
Integrity, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, Paris Cité University,
Paris, France
- Medical School, Versailles
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University (UVSQ), Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- International Academy of Medical Ethics
and Public Health, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Veterinary Academy of France, Paris,
France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atuire CA. African perspectives of moral status: a framework for evaluating global bioethical issues. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2022; 48:238-245. [PMID: 35101962 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2021-012229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper offers an African perspective on moral status grounded on an understanding of personhood. These concepts are key to understanding the differences in emphasis and the values at play when global ethical issues are analysed within the African context. Drawing from African philosophical reflections on the descriptive and normative concepts of personhood, I propose a dual notion of subject and object moral status. I explain how object moral status, duties owed to persons, is differently grounded with respect to subject moral status, which refers to communally directed agency. This distinction influences the African way of conceptualising and addressing ethical issues, where, without ignoring rights of persons, moral consideration about the agency of right bearers is often factored into ethical deliberation. As a practical example, I look at the debate surrounding legal access to safe abortion on the African continent. I suggest a Gadamerian approach to diffuse the tensions that sometimes arise between universalist advocates of rights and cultural decolonisationists.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pardo Sáenz JM. Paliativos pediátricos en África. REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE BIOÉTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.14422/rib.i18.y2022.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
En este artículo planteamos la necesidad de la imprescindible implantación de estos programas en África. Y que se haga desde la experiencia cultural propia del continente y a la luz de unos principios éticos ajustados a su realidad.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gevaert CM, Carman M, Rosman B, Georgiadou Y, Soden R. Fairness and accountability of AI in disaster risk management: Opportunities and challenges. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 2:100363. [PMID: 34820647 PMCID: PMC8600248 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2021.100363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Disaster risk management (DRM) seeks to help societies prepare for, mitigate, or recover from the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. Core to DRM are disaster risk models that rely heavily on geospatial data about the natural and built environments. Developers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of these models. Yet, there is still little understanding of how the extent of hidden geospatial biases affects disaster risk models and how accountability relationships are affected by these emerging actors and methods. In many cases, there is also a disconnect between the algorithm designers and the communities where the research is conducted or algorithms are implemented. This perspective highlights emerging concerns about the use of AI in DRM. We discuss potential concerns and illustrate what must be considered from a data science, ethical, and social perspective to ensure the responsible usage of AI in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Gevaert
- Department of Earth Observation Science, Faculty ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7514AE, the Netherlands
| | - Mary Carman
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2000, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Rosman
- School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2000, South Africa
| | - Yola Georgiadou
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management, Faculty ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel 7514AE, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Soden
- Department of Computer Science and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Decouttere C, Vandaele N, De Boeck K, Banzimana S. A Systems-Based Framework for Immunisation System Design: Six Loops, Three Flows, Two Paradigms. Health Syst (Basingstoke) 2021; 12:36-51. [PMID: 36926372 PMCID: PMC10013358 DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2021.1992300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite massive progress in vaccine coverage globally, the region of sub-Saharan Africa is lagging behind for Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030. Sub-national under-immunisation is part of the problem. In order to reverse the current immunisation system's (IMS) underperformance, a conceptual model is proposed that captures the complexity of IMSs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and offers directions for sustainable redesign. The IMS model was constructed based on literature and stakeholder interaction in Rwanda and Kenya. The model assembles the paradigms of planned and emergency immunisation in one system and emphasises the synchronised flows of vaccinee, vaccinator and vaccine. Six feedback loops capture the main mechanisms governing the system. Sustainability and resilience are assessed based on loop dominance and dependency on exogenous factors. The diagram invites stakeholders to share their mental models and. The framework provides a systems approach for problem structuring and policy design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Decouttere
- Centre for Access-To-Medicines (ATM) at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nico Vandaele
- Centre for Access-To-Medicines (ATM) at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kim De Boeck
- Centre for Access-To-Medicines (ATM) at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stany Banzimana
- University of Rwanda, EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunisation and Health Supply Chain Management, Kigali, Rwanda
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koloi-Keaikitse S, Geller G, Jankie D, Ali J. Cultural Values and Beliefs of Selected Local Communities in Botswana: Implications for Human Subject Research Ethics Practice. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2021; 16:424-434. [PMID: 34096809 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211023332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Calls have been made for researchers prospectively and continuously to engage study communities. If done, this typically occurs through a specific research study or collaboration. Rarely are community mores examined in-depth to understand implications for research ethics policy processes. We describe a qualitative study designed to understand local community values, beliefs, and practices that relate to research ethics in Botswana and explore how communities would want their interests represented. Through focus group discussions across two different selected ethnic communities and in-depth interviews with paramount chiefs, we highlight a range of community values and expectations that represent concrete behavioral representations of respect and trustworthiness. Communities are willing to engage in the process of enhancing research and research ethics policies and procedures. We invite future research and training that seek to connect local conceptualizations of substantive and procedural aspects of research ethics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail Geller
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dudu Jankie
- Department of Languages and Social Sciences Education, 54547University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph Ali
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|