Nurses' views of longitudinal genetic screening of and research on children

The Interplay Between the Abstract and the Particular: Research Ethics Standards and the Practice of Research as Symbolic

Ethical standards for research with human participants are increasingly important. With respect to nursing research these standards are symbolic of the interplay between the abstract theoretical aspects of bioethical standards and the particulars of nursing practice. In this column, this interplay is symbolized as a reflective equilibrium. These standards are argued to symbolize not only the dialectic relationship between the abstract and the particular in ethics, but also the general lack of a nursing specific articulation of ethical standards. Further understanding of the distinctiveness of nurses' moral judgments and knowledge is presented as necessary in strengthening the reflective equilibrium.

Patient attitudes toward genotyping in an urban women's health clinic

OBJECTIVE

To estimate willingness of women to donate specimens for DNA analysis by needlestick compared with collection of saliva.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional survey given to women attending clinic appointments asked about their knowledge and attitudes toward genetics research and genotyping.

RESULTS

The majority of the 279 women surveyed would give DNA specimens by needlestick (68.3%) but more would be willing to donate saliva (75.7%), P=.003. An ethnic difference was seen in the replies about needlesticks but not regarding saliva donation. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that women who were likely to donate specimens rated themselves more knowledgeable about genes and DNA (odds ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.12-5.28) and had graduated from college or higher (odds ratio 6.74, 95% confidence interval 1.98-22.86).

CONCLUSION

More women are willing to donate DNA specimens by saliva than by needlestick. Knowledge and higher education predict a willingness to donate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

My genes made me do it? The implications of behavioural genetics for responsibility and blame

The idea of individual responsibility for action is central to our conception of what it is to be a person. Behavioural genetic research may seem to call into question the idea of individual responsibility with possible implications for the criminal justice system. These implications will depend on the understandings of the various agencies and professional groups involved in responding to violent and anti-social behaviour, and, the result of negotiations between them over resulting practice. The paper considers two kinds of approaches to the question of responsibility and 'criminal genes' arising from a sociological and philosophical perspective respectively. One is to consider the social context and possible practical implications of research into 'criminal genes' which will later be examined through interviews and discussions with a range of experts including lawyers and social workers. A second and different kind of approach is to ask whether the findings of behavioural genetics ought to have implications for attributions of responsibility. Issues of genetic influence are central to both approaches.