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Vakili-Ojarood M, Naseri A, Shirinzadeh-Dastgiri A, Saberi A, HaghighiKian SM, Rahmani A, Farnoush N, Nafissi N, Heiranizadeh N, Antikchi MH, Narimani N, Atarod MM, Yeganegi M, Neamatzadeh H. Ethical Considerations and Equipoise in Cancer Surgery. Indian J Surg Oncol 2024; 15:363-373. [PMID: 39328740 PMCID: PMC11422545 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-024-02023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The changing landscape of cancer surgery requires ongoing consideration of ethical issues to ensure patient-centered care and fair access to treatments. With technological advancements and the global expansion of surgical interventions, healthcare professionals must navigate complex ethical dilemmas related to patient autonomy, informed consent, and the impact of new technologies on the physician-patient relationship. Additionally, ethical principles and decision-making in oncology, especially in the context of genetic predisposition to breast cancer, highlight the importance of integrating patient knowledge, preferences, and alignment between goals and treatments. As global surgery continues to grow, addressing ethical considerations becomes crucial to reduce disparities in access to surgical interventions and uphold ethical duties in patient care. Furthermore, the rise of digital applications in healthcare, such as digital surgery, requires heightened awareness of the unique ethical issues in this domain. The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in robotic surgical training have drawn attention to the challenges of protecting patient and surgeon data, as well as the ethical boundaries that innovation may encounter. These discussions collectively emphasize the complex ethical issues associated with surgical innovation and underscore the importance of upholding ethical standards in the pursuit of progress in the field. In this study, we thoroughly analyzed previous scholarly works on ethical considerations and equipoise in the field of oncological surgery. Our main focus was on the use of AI in this specific context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Vakili-Ojarood
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Naseri
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shirinzadeh-Dastgiri
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Shohadaye Haft-E Tir Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Saberi
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine Hazrat-E Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Masoud HaghighiKian
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine Hazrat-E Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Rahmani
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Nazila Farnoush
- Department of General Surgery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nahid Nafissi
- Breast Surgery Department, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naeimeh Heiranizadeh
- Breast Surgery Department, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi General Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Nima Narimani
- Department of Urology, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Atarod
- Department of Urology, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Yeganegi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Hossein Neamatzadeh
- Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Mainwaring E, Patel R, Desai C, Acharya R, Raveshia D, Shah S, Panesar H, Patel N, Singh R. Five historical innovations that have shaped modern cardiothoracic surgery. J Perioper Pract 2024; 34:282-292. [PMID: 38149619 DOI: 10.1177/17504589231212967] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Throughout history, many innovations have contributed to the development of modern cardiothoracic surgery, improving patient outcomes and expanding the range of treatment options available to patients. This article explores five key historical innovations that have shaped modern cardiothoracic surgery: cardiopulmonary bypass, surgical pacemakers, video assisted thoracic surgery, robotic surgery and mechanical circulatory support. We will review the development, impact and significance of each innovation, highlighting their contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery and their ongoing relevance in contemporary and perioperative practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mainwaring
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ravi Patel
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Shrewsbury and Telford Trust, The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
| | - Chaitya Desai
- Department of Urology, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall, UK
| | - Radhika Acharya
- Department of Intensive Care, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dimit Raveshia
- Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Saumil Shah
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK
| | - Harrypal Panesar
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK
| | | | - Rohit Singh
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
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Decker E, Chongsuwat T. IRB Consent Guidelines: Potential Barriers to Diversity in Research. Health Promot Pract 2024:15248399241268327. [PMID: 39092478 DOI: 10.1177/15248399241268327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite initiatives aimed at improving study participation and inclusion among ethnic and racially minoritized and marginalized populations, participation remains low. While necessary to ensure ethical practice in human participant research, certain Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines may introduce additional barriers in research involving these populations. This work outlines guidelines pertaining to consent translation for non-English speaking populations and offers discussion on a greater emphasis for more inclusive methods for marginalized communities. The University of Wisconsin's IRB approved alternative oral consent processes after the community partner determined that standard translation processes would be inefficient. Researchers used translated consent materials for four different ethnic groups (Hmong, Karen, Karenni, and Burmese). We provided recorded consents in each respective language to participants before study participation and obtained verbal consent prior to study participation at the study location. We experienced time and resource constraints in both access to translators and the consent-translation process itself. Furthermore, many participants were unable to read in their native language making standard written consent processes both difficult and impractical. Oral discussion and verbal consent processes were efficient. Adjustments to consent-related guidelines may prevent and eliminate time and resource-related barriers in consent processes. In eliminating such barriers, subsequent improved efficiency in both study design and study promotion areas can work to better promote diversity in research among populations that emphasize oral language and in instances where literacy rates in written non-English language may be lower.
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Sridharan K, Sivaramakrishnan G. Assessing the Decision-Making Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence Platforms as Institutional Review Board Members. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2024; 19:83-91. [PMID: 38887060 DOI: 10.1177/15562646241263200] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: Institutional review boards (IRBs) face delays in reviewing research proposals, underscoring the need for optimized standard operating procedures (SOPs). This study assesses the abilities of three artificial intelligence (AI) platforms to address IRB challenges and draft essential SOPs. Methods: An observational study was conducted using three AI platforms in 10 case studies reflecting IRB functions, focusing on creating SOPs. The accuracy of the AI outputs was assessed against good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines. Results: The AI tools identified GCP issues, offered guidance on GCP violations, detected conflicts of interest and SOP deficiencies, recognized vulnerable populations, and suggested expedited review criteria. They also drafted SOPs with some differences. Conclusion: AI platforms could aid IRB decision-making and improve review efficiency. However, human oversight remains critical for ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Sridharan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
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Becker TB, Cardino VN, Lucas J, Fenton JI. Teaching critical thinking in nutritional sciences: a model course and assignments. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2024; 48:320-329. [PMID: 38420667 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00177.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Critical thinking is a common and important learning outcome in college curricula. Case-based and problem-based learning can be used to assess and foster critical thinking skills. HNF 250-Contemporary Issues in Human Nutrition is a critical thinking course developed during the redesign of a nutritional sciences major program. Course assignments were designed to assess the course and nutritional sciences major learning outcomes. The nutrition and health claim assignment is scaffolded across the academic semester as three assignments: 1) bibliography assignment; 2) poster presentation; and 3) paper. Course lectures and materials have been designed to prepare students for completion of each assignment. The assignments have been modified over time based on classroom observations and student performance. In 2021, the course learning outcomes were examined by assessing several assignments including the nutrition and health claim poster and paper. Course learning outcome benchmarks using these assessments generally included 80% of students achieving an 80% for each criterion. Results revealed that students were not meeting most of these assessment benchmarks during the 2021 iteration, although benchmark data from other course assessments were more satisfactory. It is possible that the transition from a virtual to an in-person format negatively influenced student performance on these course learning outcomes. This course and the nutrition and health claim assignment example can provide a course design and learning outcome assessment framework for other higher education critical thinking courses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper describes how a scaffolded nutrition and health claim assignment is used to teach critical thinking skills among nutritional sciences students and examine the program's learning outcomes. Further, this course example is to serve as an model for STEM majors on how to incorporate case-based and problem-based learning strategies into an undergraduate course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Becker
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- MSU Extension, Health and Nutrition Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Vanessa N Cardino
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - James Lucas
- Office of Undergraduate Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Jenifer I Fenton
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Capili B, Anastasi JK. Ethical Research and the Institutional Review Board: An Introduction. Am J Nurs 2024; 124:50-54. [PMID: 38386835 PMCID: PMC10885741 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0001008420.28033.e8] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Editor's note: This is the 20th article in a series on clinical research by nurses. The series is designed to be used as a resource for nurses to understand the concepts and principles essential to research. Each column will present the concepts that underpin evidence-based practice-from research design to data interpretation. To see all the articles in the series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A204.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Capili
- Bernadette Capili is director of the Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing at Rockefeller University, New York City, and Joyce K. Anastasi is the Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing and founding director of Special Studies in Symptom Management at New York University. This manuscript was supported in part by grant No. UL1TR001866 from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program. Contact author and column coordinator: Bernadette Capili, . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Larson NJ, Altamirano HM, Dries DJ, Blondeau B, Rogers FB. So You Want to Do Trauma Research? A Practical Guide to Creating a Research Program at Your Home Institution. J Trauma Nurs 2024; 31:57-62. [PMID: 38484158 DOI: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 3 pillars upon which the foundation of a teaching program in health care is founded: research, education, and clinical care. However, in a busy academic trauma practice, the unfortunate reality is that research is often a low priority in the frenzy of mandates for clinical productivity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this report is to advise hospitals on how to create a modest trauma research program that supports research interests without significantly impacting the overall clinical productivity of the department. METHODS Relevant literature related to the development of an academic trauma research department was reviewed. Relevant articles were then compared to this manuscript to assess the novelty of the topic. RESULTS There are 4 essential components of a trauma research program: (1) a zealot, (2) institutional commitment and support, (3) a statistician, and (4) registry data access. CONCLUSION The creation of a trauma research program may seem like a herculean effort, but this work is necessary for institutions hoping to achieve status as a Level I/II trauma center. Following the steps outlined in this report, trauma providers can create a robust research program at their institution without sacrificing clinical productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Larson
- Author Affiliations: Department of Surgery, Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, Minnesota
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De Leon-Benedetti L, Andronikou S, Serai S, Hailu T, Miranda Schaeubinger M, Jalloul M, Dell J, Otero HJ. Learning from experience - Radiology ancillary review of prospective research studies involving imaging. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2024; 53:182-184. [PMID: 37891077 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2023.10.020] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
This report describes the operational process of a big academic children's hospital's Radiology Scientific Review Committee, with a focus on its role in integrating radiology services into pediatric clinical research. We define the step-by-step workflow used to assess research proposals involving imaging and share insights from the past three years of data collection. Trends in modalities, radiologist involvement, and interpretation possibilities are outlined in the data. This systematic methodology provides essential resource allocation concepts and promotes high-quality pediatric clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Leon-Benedetti
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Savvas Andronikou
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Serai
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tigist Hailu
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Miranda Schaeubinger
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad Jalloul
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Dell
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hansel J Otero
- Core Radiology Research Group, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Guetterman TC, Haggins A, Montas S, Black J, Harney D, Fetters MD, Silbergleit R, Dickert NW. Institutional Review Boards' Assessment of Local Context: A Mixed Methods Study. Ethics Hum Res 2024; 46:2-13. [PMID: 38240398 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500195] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The nature of the review of local context by institutional review boards (IRBs) is vague. Requirements for single IRB review of multicenter trials create a need to better understand interpretation and implementation of local-context review and how to best implement such reviews centrally. We sought a pragmatic understanding of IRB local-context review by exploring stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions. Semistructured interviews with 26 IRB members and staff members, institutional officials, and investigators were integrated with 80 surveys of similar stakeholders and analyzed with qualitative theme-based text analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Stakeholders described what they considered to be local context, the value of local-context review, and key processes used to implement review of local context in general and for emergency research conducted with an exception from informed consent. Concerns and potential advantages of centralized review of local context were expressed. Variability in perspectives suggests that local-context review is not a discrete process, which presents opportunities for defining pathways for single IRB review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Guetterman
- Assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Adrianne Haggins
- Assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Sacha Montas
- Assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Joy Black
- Clinical research project manager in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Deneil Harney
- Administrative manager in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Michael D Fetters
- Who passed away on July 16, 2023, was a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Robert Silbergleit
- Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan
| | - Neal W Dickert
- Associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine
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Ochang P, Eke D, Stahl BC. Towards an understanding of global brain data governance: ethical positions that underpin global brain data governance discourse. Front Big Data 2023; 6:1240660. [PMID: 38025947 PMCID: PMC10665841 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1240660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study of the brain continues to generate substantial volumes of data, commonly referred to as "big brain data," which serves various purposes such as the treatment of brain-related diseases, the development of neurotechnological devices, and the training of algorithms. This big brain data, generated in different jurisdictions, is subject to distinct ethical and legal principles, giving rise to various ethical and legal concerns during collaborative efforts. Understanding these ethical and legal principles and concerns is crucial, as it catalyzes the development of a global governance framework, currently lacking in this field. While prior research has advocated for a contextual examination of brain data governance, such studies have been limited. Additionally, numerous challenges, issues, and concerns surround the development of a contextually informed brain data governance framework. Therefore, this study aims to bridge these gaps by exploring the ethical foundations that underlie contextual stakeholder discussions on brain data governance. Method In this study we conducted a secondary analysis of interviews with 21 neuroscientists drafted from the International Brain Initiative (IBI), LATBrain Initiative and the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) who are involved in various brain projects globally and employing ethical theories. Ethical theories provide the philosophical frameworks and principles that inform the development and implementation of data governance policies and practices. Results The results of the study revealed various contextual ethical positions that underscore the ethical perspectives of neuroscientists engaged in brain data research globally. Discussion This research highlights the multitude of challenges and deliberations inherent in the pursuit of a globally informed framework for governing brain data. Furthermore, it sheds light on several critical considerations that require thorough examination in advancing global brain data governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschal Ochang
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Damian Eke
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Bernd Carsten Stahl
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Alahmad G, Alshahrani KM, Alduhaim RA, Alhelal R, Faden RM, Shaheen NA. Awareness of Medical Professionals Regarding Research Ethics in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Survey to Assess Training Needs. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2718. [PMID: 37893792 PMCID: PMC10606152 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethics is an essential component of human research, and knowledge and awareness of ethical guidelines are required to conduct research involving human subjects and ensure the participants' safety. OBJECTIVES To investigate medical professionals' and researchers' knowledge of national and international research ethics guidelines, key principles in human research projects, ethical issues in different types of research, the importance of informed consent, and institutional review boards. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study with 251 participants, including physicians, nurses, and researchers from three different research centers and hospitals in Riyadh city, was carried out using an electronic self-structured questionnaire. The sample size was estimated using OpenEpi, Version 3. The questionnaire contained six different sets of questions to analyze knowledge about research ethics and guidelines. The results were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS About 53.78% of the participants had received research ethics education, out of which 78.51% of the participants expressed the need for more training in research ethics education. The Belmont Report showed a high level of unawareness among nurses (88.3%), physicians (73.8%), and researchers (55.32%). Nurses had a high level of positive attitude about all the key principles of human research. The highest level of awareness of ethical issues in clinical trials and interventional studies was found among researchers (54%), and the lowest level of awareness was exhibited by nurses (19.32%). Nurses (74.34%) and physicians (62.79%) had the lowest positive attitudes about obtaining children's assent in pediatric research. Physicians and researchers had a higher awareness of the IRB than nurses. CONCLUSION Researchers were well-versed in research ethics, regulatory guidelines, and ethical issues in various types of research, whereas nurses were enthusiastic about key principles in human research and the importance of informed consent. This study shows that a very low percentage of nurses have received research ethics education and emphasizes the critical importance of including research ethics education in nursing curricula, as the involvement of nurses in research is inevitable. This study also shows the lack of knowledge among nurses, researchers, and doctors about various international guidelines. It emphasizes the importance of adding regulatory guidelines to the curriculum and teaching them effectively to students. Also, periodic workshops should be conducted to enhance the practical knowledge of the professionals regarding the guidelines and guide them in overcoming the practical difficulties they encounter during their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiath Alahmad
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.M.A.); (R.A.); (R.M.F.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Khalid Malawi Alshahrani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.M.A.); (R.A.); (R.M.F.); (N.A.S.)
| | | | - Rawan Alhelal
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.M.A.); (R.A.); (R.M.F.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Rawa M. Faden
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.M.A.); (R.A.); (R.M.F.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Naila A. Shaheen
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.M.A.); (R.A.); (R.M.F.); (N.A.S.)
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Abstract
Surveys provide evidence for the social sciences for knowledge, attitudes, and other behaviors, and, in health care, to quantify qualitative research and to assist in policymaking. A survey-designed research project is about asking questions of individuals, and, from the answers, the researcher can generalize the findings from a sample of respondents to a population. Therefore, this overview can serve as a guide to conducting survey research that can provide answers for practitioners, educators, and leaders, but only if the right questions and methods are used. The main advantage of using surveys is their economical access to participants online. A major disadvantage of survey research is the low response rates in most situations. Online surveys have many limitations that should be expected before conducting a search, and then described after the survey is complete. Any conclusions and recommendations are to be supported by evidence in a clear and objective manner. Presenting evidence in a structured format is crucial but well-developed reporting guidelines are needed for researchers who conduct survey research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda T Goodfellow
- American Association for Respiratory Care and Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Hsu TW, Huang CH, Chuang LJ, Lee HC, Wong CS. Continuous quality improvement: reducing informed consent form signing errors. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:59. [PMID: 37542298 PMCID: PMC10403943 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00933-w] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to ethical guidelines and regulations and protecting and respecting the dignity and autonomy of participants by obtaining a valid informed consent form (ICF) prior to participation in research are crucial; The subjects did not add signatures next to the corrections made to signatures or dates on the ICF, Multiple signatures in other fields, ICF missing/missing signature, Incorrect ICF version Signed after modification, Correction tape used to correct signature, Impersonated signature, Non-research-member signature, however, ICFs are often not properly completed, which must be addressed. This study analyzed ICF signing errors and implemented measures to reduce or prevent these errors. METHODS We used the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle to help improve the correctness and validity of ICF signing. RESULTS Interim and final reports from January 2016 to February 2020 including 363 ICFs were studied. The total proportion of correct ICF signatures (200, 83.3%) following the PDCA intervention was significantly higher than that before the intervention (P < 0.05). Analysis of the types of signing error demonstrated that signature errors were significantly reduced after the intervention, particularly for subjects did not add signatures next to the corrections made to signatures or dates on the ICF (16, 6.7%) and impersonated signature (0; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The proportions of other error types-multiple signatures in other fields, missing or unsigned ICF, incorrect signature order, incorrect ICF version, use of correction tape to correct signature, and non-medical profession members signing the ICF-did not differ significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsui-Wen Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Superintendent Office and CGHIRB, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ju Chuang
- Institute of Medicine, Superintendent Office and CGHIRB, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Lee
- Cathay General Hospital Nursing Department Supervisor, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shung Wong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Medical Education and CGHIRB, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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AlFattani A, AlBedah N, AlShahrani A, Alkawi A, AlMeharish A, Altwaijri Y, Omar A, AlKawi MZ, Khogeer A. Institutional review boards in Saudi Arabia: the first survey-based report on their functions and operations. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:50. [PMID: 37430255 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Institutional review boards (IRBs) are formally designated to review, approve, and monitor biomedical research. They are responsible for ensuring that researchers comply with the ethical guidelines concerning human research participants. Given that IRBs might face different obstacles that cause delays in their processes or conflicts with investigators, this study aims to report the functions, roles, resources, and review process of IRBs in Saudi Arabia. METHOD This was a cross-sectional self-reported survey conducted from March 2021 to March 2022. The survey was sent to 53 IRB chairpersons and the administration directors (or secretary) across the country through email after receiving verbal consent. The validated survey consisted of eight aspects: (a) organizational aspects, (b) membership and educational training, (c) submission arrangements and materials, (d) minutes, (e) review procedures, (f) communicating a decision, (g) continuing review, and (h) research ethics committee (REC) resources. A total of 200 points indicated optimal IRB functions. RESULTS Twenty-six IRBs across Saudi Arabia responded to the survey. Overall, the IRBs in this study scored a total of 150/200 of the points on the self-assessment tool. Relatively newer IRBs (established less than ten years ago) conducted meetings at least once in a month, had annual funding, had more balanced gender representation, tended to score higher than older IRBs. The organizational aspect score was the lowest among all items in the survey (14.3 score difference, p-value < 0.01). The average turnaround time for expedited research from proposal submission to final decision was 7 days, while it was 20.5 days for the full committee review. CONCLUSION Saudi IRBs performed generally well. However, there is room for focused improvement with respect to extra resources and organizational issues that require closer evaluation and guidance from the regulatory bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej AlFattani
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Norah AlBedah
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma AlShahrani
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Alkawi
- Neuroscience center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani AlMeharish
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasmin Altwaijri
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer Omar
- Office of Research Affairs, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Zuheir AlKawi
- Research ethics monitoring office, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Khogeer
- Research Department, The Strategic Planning Administration, General Directorate of Health Affairs Of Makkah Region, Ministry of Health, Makkah, 24382, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Genetics Unit, Maternity & Children Hospital, Makkah Healthcare Cluster, Ministry of Health, Makkah, 24382, Saudi Arabia
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Xu C, Padilla V, Lozano S, Gamez D, Su BB, Wang X, Maestre G, Wang K. APOE Gene Associated with Dementia-Related Traits, Depression, and Anxiety in the Hispanic Population. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1405. [PMID: 37510309 PMCID: PMC10379967 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071405] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a main cause of dementia, is commonly seen in aging populations with a strong genetic component. AD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders; it is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous disease. Specific demographic factors and genetic variants have been identified in non-Hispanic populations; however, limited studies have observed the Hispanic population. Therefore, we focused on investigating a known gene, APOE, associated with AD-related phenotypes and two psychiatric diseases (depression and anxiety) within the U.S. Hispanic population in our current study. A total of 1382 subjects were studied based on data collected from the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium (TARCC, N = 1320) and the Initial Study of Longevity and Dementia from the Rio Grande Valley (ISLD-RGV, N = 62). Questionnaires regarding demographics, medical history, and blood/saliva samples were collected. We genotyped the APOE gene. The current findings indicated that APOE-ε4 was associated with not only AD (p < 0.0001) but also with anxiety (p < 0.0001) and depression (p = 0.0004). However, APOE-ε3 was associated with depression (p = 0.002) in the Hispanic population. We provide additional evidence in which APOE-ε4 increased the risk for AD in Hispanics. For the first time, APOE alleles show increased risks for anxiety and depression in Hispanics. Further research is warranted to confirm the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xu
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA; (V.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Victoria Padilla
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA; (V.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Stephanie Lozano
- Department of Science, Graduate College of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Daniela Gamez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA; (V.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Brenda Bin Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Allergy and Immunology Baylor College of Medicine, William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Information Systems, Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Gladys Maestre
- Neuroscience and School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Kesheng Wang
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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Wexler A, Largent E. Ethical considerations for researchers developing and testing minimal-risk devices. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2325. [PMID: 37087446 PMCID: PMC10122640 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wexler
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Emily Largent
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Zivony A, Kardosh R, Timmins L, Reggev N. Ten simple rules for socially responsible science. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010954. [PMID: 36952443 PMCID: PMC10035751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Guidelines concerning the potentially harmful effects of scientific studies have historically focused on ethical considerations for minimizing risk for participants. However, studies can also indirectly inflict harm on individuals and social groups through how they are designed, reported, and disseminated. As evidenced by recent criticisms and retractions of high-profile studies dealing with a wide variety of social issues, there is a scarcity of resources and guidance on how one can conduct research in a socially responsible manner. As such, even motivated researchers might publish work that has negative social impacts due to a lack of awareness. To address this, we propose 10 simple rules for researchers who wish to conduct socially responsible science. These rules, which cover major considerations throughout the life cycle of a study from inception to dissemination, are not aimed as a prescriptive list or a deterministic code of conduct. Rather, they are meant to help motivated scientists to reflect on their social responsibility as researchers and actively engage with the potential social impact of their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Zivony
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Rasha Kardosh
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Liadh Timmins
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Niv Reggev
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
- School of Brain Sciences and Cognition, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
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Mariani J, Garau L, Ferrero F, Vukotich C, Roitman AJ, Serrano CM, Perelis L, Domínguez AG, González Villa Monte G. Assessment of an electronic system for research ethics committees document management: An observational study. Account Res 2023; 30:21-33. [PMID: 34314277 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2021.1960515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Since 1 January 2020, the Central Research Ethics Committee of the Health Ministry implemented PRIISA.BA, an in-house developed electronic system for online submission of health research applications to the 63 public and private research ethics committees (RECs) of Buenos Aires City, Argentina. This study though to compare the times to first review and the time to approval among applications submitted prior to PRIISA.BA and thereafter, across public RECs. All public RECs of the city were invited to participate. Overall, 453 applications from 10 RECs (242 pre- and 211 post-PRIISA.BA) were available for the analyses. There was a decrease in the time to first review and an increase in the time to approval after PRIISA.BA implementation. The increase in time to approval was transient and limited to the first three months. The results were consistent with analyses limited to non-COVID applications. Our results show an increase in the times to approval after the implementation of an electronic system for online submission of health research applications that, although transient, was significant. These data could be relevant to other RECs implementing this technology since it emphasizes the need of monitoring potential unnecessary delays in reviews during the critical initial period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Mariani
- Coronary Unit Coordinator, Hospital De Alta Complejidad En Red "El Cruce", Florencio Varela (1888), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Garau
- Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo De Investigación En Salud, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Ferrero
- Departamento De Medicina, Hospital General De Niños "Dr Pedro De Elizalde", Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Vukotich
- Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Instituto De Ciencias Para La Familia, Universidad Austral, Pilar (1629), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriel J Roitman
- Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comité De Ética En Investigación, Clínica Y Maternidad Suizo Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comité De Ética En Investigación Clínica Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comité De Ética En Investigación De La Dirección De Investigación Para La Salud, Ministerio De Salud De La Nación, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia M Serrano
- Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hospital "Dr Abel Zubizarreta", Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Carrera Interdisciplinaria De Especialización En Neuropsicología Clínica, Facultad De Psicología, Universidad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Neurología Cognitiva Y Neuropsicología, Hospital "Dr Cesar Milstein", Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Perelis
- Comité De Ética En Investigación, Hospital General De Agudos "Dr José María Ramos Mejía", Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana G Domínguez
- Comité De Ética En Investigación De La Dirección De Investigación Para La Salud, Ministerio De Salud De La Nación, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comité De Ética En Investigación Del Hospital General De Agudos "Dr Abel Zubizarreta", Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Diplomatura De Ética En Investigación, Universidad Isalud, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel González Villa Monte
- Comité Central De Ética En Investigación, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dirección General De Docencia, Investigación Y Desarrollo Profesional, Ministerio De Salud Del Gobierno De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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19
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Mudaranthakam DP, Pepper S, Alsup A, Lin T, Streeter N, Thompson J, Gajewski B, Mayo MS, Khan Q. Bolstering the complex study start-up process at NCI cancer centers using technology. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 30:101050. [PMID: 36506825 PMCID: PMC9727641 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.101050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study startup process for interventional clinical trials is a complex process that involves the efforts of many different teams. Each team is responsible for their startup checklist in which they verify that the necessary tasks are done before a study can move on to the next team. This regulatory process provides quality assurance and is vital for ensuring patient safety [10]. However, without having this startup process centralized and optimized, study approval can take longer than necessary as time is lost when it passes through many different hands. Objective This manuscript highlights the process and the systems that were developed at The University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center regarding the study startup process. To facilitate this process the regulatory management, site development, cancer center administration, and the Biostatistics & Informatics Shared Resources (BISR) teams came together to build a platform aimed at streamlining the startup process and providing a transparent view of where a study is in the startup process. Process Ensuring the guidelines are clearly articulated for the review criteria of each of the three review boards, i.e., Disease Working Group (DWG), Executive Resourcing Committee (ERC), and Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC) along with a system that can track every step and its history throughout the review process. Results Well-defined processes and tracking methodologies have allowed the operations teams to track each study closely and ensure the 90-day and 120-day deadlines are met, this allows the operational team to dynamically prioritize their work daily. It also provides Principal investigators a transparent view of where their study stands within the study startup process and allows them to prepare for the next steps accordingly. Conclusion/future work The current process and technology deployment has been a significant improvement to expedite the review process and minimize study startup delays. There are still a few opportunities to fine-tune the study startup process; an example of which includes automatically informing the operational managers or the study teams to act upon deadlines regarding study review rather than the current manual communication process which involves them looking it up in the system which can add delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Pal Mudaranthakam
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Sam Pepper
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Alexander Alsup
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Tara Lin
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Natalie Streeter
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Jeffrey Thompson
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Byron Gajewski
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Matthew S. Mayo
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 1026, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Qamar Khan
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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20
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Brown N. Research ethics in a changing social sciences landscape. RESEARCH ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/17470161221141011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of research ethics committees, and research ethics issues more broadly are often not viewed in the context of the development of scientific methods and the academic community. This topic piece seeks to redress this gap. I begin with a brief outline of the changes we experience within the social sciences before exploring in more detail their impact on research ethics and the practices of research ethics committees. I conclude with recommendations for how the existing research ethics processes may be made more future-proof.
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21
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Khademi Habibabadi S, Hallinan C, Bonomo Y, Conway M. Consumer-Generated Discourse on Cannabis as a Medicine: Scoping Review of Techniques. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e35974. [PMID: 36383417 PMCID: PMC9713623 DOI: 10.2196/35974] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicinal cannabis is increasingly being used for a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Social media and web-based health platforms provide valuable, real-time, and cost-effective surveillance resources for gleaning insights regarding individuals who use cannabis for medicinal purposes. This is particularly important considering that the evidence for the optimal use of medicinal cannabis is still emerging. Despite the web-based marketing of medicinal cannabis to consumers, currently, there is no robust regulatory framework to measure clinical health benefits or individual experiences of adverse events. In a previous study, we conducted a systematic scoping review of studies that contained themes of the medicinal use of cannabis and used data from social media and search engine results. This study analyzed the methodological approaches and limitations of these studies. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine research approaches and study methodologies that use web-based user-generated text to study the use of cannabis as a medicine. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases for primary studies in the English language from January 1974 to April 2022. Studies were included if they aimed to understand web-based user-generated text related to health conditions where cannabis is used as a medicine or where health was mentioned in general cannabis-related conversations. RESULTS We included 42 articles in this review. In these articles, Twitter was used 3 times more than other computer-generated sources, including Reddit, web-based forums, GoFundMe, YouTube, and Google Trends. Analytical methods included sentiment assessment, thematic analysis (manual and automatic), social network analysis, and geographic analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to review techniques used by research on consumer-generated text for understanding cannabis as a medicine. It is increasingly evident that consumer-generated data offer opportunities for a greater understanding of individual behavior and population health outcomes. However, research using these data has some limitations that include difficulties in establishing sample representativeness and a lack of methodological best practices. To address these limitations, deidentified annotated data sources should be made publicly available, researchers should determine the origins of posts (organizations, bots, power users, or ordinary individuals), and powerful analytical techniques should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Khademi Habibabadi
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christine Hallinan
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Health & Biomedical Research Information Technology Unit, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yvonne Bonomo
- Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mike Conway
- School of Computing & Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Eisenstein EL, Walden A, Donovan K, Zozus MN, Yu FB, West VL, Hammond WE, Muhlbaier LH. Economic analysis of a single institutional review board data exchange standard in multisite clinical studies. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 122:106953. [PMID: 36202199 PMCID: PMC10015373 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106953] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single Institutional Review Boards (sIRB) are not achieving the benefits envisioned by the National Institutes of Health. The recently published Health Level Seven (HL7®) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) data exchange standard seeks to improve sIRB operational efficiency. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a study to determine whether the use of this standard would be economically attractive for sIRB workflows collectively and for Reviewing and Relying institutions. We examined four sIRB-associated workflows at a single institution: (1) Initial Study Protocol Application, (2) Site Addition for an Approved sIRB study, (3) Continuing Review, and (4) Medical and Non-Medical Event Reporting. Task-level information identified personnel roles and their associated hour requirements for completion. Tasks that would be eliminated by the data exchange standard were identified. Personnel costs were estimated using annual salaries by role. No tasks would be eliminated in the Initial Study Protocol Application or Medical and Non-Medical Event Reporting workflows through use of the proposed data exchange standard. Site Addition workflow hours would be reduced by 2.50 h per site (from 15.50 to 13.00 h) and Continuing Review hours would be reduced by 9.00 h per site per study year (from 36.50 to 27.50 h). Associated costs savings were $251 for the Site Addition workflow (from $1609 to $1358) and $1033 for the Continuing Review workflow (from $4110 to $3076). CONCLUSION Use of the proposed HL7 FHIR® data exchange standard would be economically attractive for sIRB workflows collectively and for each entity participating in the new workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Walden
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Katrina Donovan
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Meredith N Zozus
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Feliciano B Yu
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Appel JM. Against Whitecoat Washing: The Need for Formal Human Rights Assessment in International Collaborations. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2022; 22:1-4. [PMID: 36170066 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2116911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
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24
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Mohyuddin GR, Mehra N, Ryll B, Prasad V. Control participants of randomised trials: an often forgotten, vulnerable population. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e634-e636. [PMID: 36055323 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Rehman Mohyuddin
- Division of Hematology, Huntsman Cancer Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Nikita Mehra
- Department of Medical Oncology and Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - Bettina Ryll
- Patient Advocates Working Group, Melanoma Patient Network Europe, European Society for Medical Oncology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Pantanowitz L, Bui MM, Chauhan C, ElGabry E, Hassell L, Li Z, Parwani AV, Salama ME, Sebastian MM, Tulman D, Vepa S, Becich MJ. Rules of engagement: Promoting academic-industry partnership in the era of digital pathology and artificial intelligence. Acad Pathol 2022; 9:100026. [PMID: 35669406 PMCID: PMC9163695 DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2022.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Academic industry partnership (AIP) represents an important alliance between academic researchers and industry that helps translate technology and complete the innovation cycle within academic health systems. Despite diverging missions and skillsets the culture for academia and industry is changing in response to the current digital era which is spawning greater collaboration between physicians and businesses in this marketplace. In the field of pathology, this is further driven by the fact that traditional funding sources cannot keep pace with the innovation needed in digital pathology and artificial intelligence. This concept article from the Digital Pathology Association (DPA) describes the rules of engagement for pathology innovators in academia and for their corporate partners to help establish best practices in this critical area. Stakeholders include pathologists, basic and translational researchers, university technology transfer and sponsored research offices, as well as industry relations officers. The article discusses the benefits and pitfalls of an AIP, reviews different partnership models, examines the role of pathologists in the innovation cycle, explains various agreements that may need to be signed, covers conflict of interest and intellectual property issues, and offers recommendations for ensuring successful partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marilyn M. Bui
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Chhavi Chauhan
- American Society for Investigative Pathology, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ehab ElGabry
- Pathology & Companion Diagnostics, Roche, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lewis Hassell
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anil V. Parwani
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Manu M. Sebastian
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Suryanarayana Vepa
- Office of Strategic Alliances, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael J. Becich
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
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Closing the gap: How women can benefit more from science, research, policies, and health services. MED 2022; 3:302-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bonilla CRG. Response to: Regarding the Article: A Multimodal Strategy to Reduce the Risk of Hospitalization/death in Ambulatory Patients with COVID-19. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:541-542. [PMID: 35752533 PMCID: PMC9085460 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- César Raúl Gonzalez Bonilla
- Coordinador de Investigación en Salud, Dirección de Prestaciones Médicas, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México.
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Wilkinson A, Slack C, Thabethe S, Salzwedel J. " It's Almost as if Stakeholder Engagement is the Annoying 'Have-to-do'…": Can Ethics Review Help Address the "3 Ts" of Tokenism, Toxicity, and Tailoring in Stakeholder Engagement? J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2022; 17:292-303. [PMID: 35164594 PMCID: PMC9136363 DOI: 10.1177/15562646221078415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ethics guidance recommends that researchers engage stakeholders and that RECs review research for such engagement. The ethics review process may present a unique opportunity to support stakeholder engagement practices for HIV prevention studies. We conducted 28 interviews with experts from 12 countries to explore this issue, and analyzed the data using Thematic Analysis. We found that the value of engagement and review processes was strongly endorsed. However, we identified 3 major thematic complexities, namely: "Tokenism" where processes risk being "tick-box"; "Toxicity", where practices may inadvertently have negative consequences; and "Tailoring", where processes need careful variation in intensity. We make recommendations for how these "Ts" can be addressed during the review process to help contribute to thoughtful review of meaningful stakeholder engagement in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Wilkinson
- HIV AIDS Vaccines Ethics Group (HAVEG), School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, 71874University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Catherine Slack
- HIV AIDS Vaccines Ethics Group (HAVEG), School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, 71874University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Siyabonga Thabethe
- HIV AIDS Vaccines Ethics Group (HAVEG), School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, 71874University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Mrisho M, Essack Z. Understanding Constraints and Enablers of Turnaround Time for Ethics Review: The Case of Institutional Review Boards in Tanzania. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2021; 16:514-524. [PMID: 34180729 PMCID: PMC8530844 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211026855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. Independent ethics review of research is required prior to the implementation of all health research involving human participants. However, ethics review processes are challenged by protracted turnaround times, which may negatively impact the implementation of socially valuable research. Previous research has documented delays in ethics review in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the extent of variability in turnaround times for protocol review among different institutional review boards (IRBs) within Tanzania. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a mixed-method approach, with qualitative and quantitative components. Seven IRBs were purposively sampled from the 15 accredited IRBs operational in Tanzania during the study period, April 2017-April 2018. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results. The median time for review across all IRBs was 32 days, with a range of 1-396 days. Qualitative results identified five key themes related to turnaround time from interviews with participants. These included: (1) procedures for receiving and distribution of protocols, (2) number of reviewers assigned to protocols, (3) duration of reviewing protocols, (4) reasons for delayed feedback, and (5) training of research ethics committee members. Conclusion. The study showed that the median days for ethical approval in Tanzania was 32 days. We observed from this study that electronic submission systems facilitated faster turnaround times. Failure to adhere to the submission checklists and guidelines was a major obstacle to the turnaround time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwifadhi Mrisho
- Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Applied Human Sciences, Psychology. Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Applied Human Sciences, Psychology. Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Centre for Community-Based Research, Human and Social Capabilities Division, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
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Lozano S, Padilla V, Avila ML, Gil M, Maestre G, Wang K, Xu C. APOE Gene Associated with Cholesterol-Related Traits in the Hispanic Population. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111768. [PMID: 34828374 PMCID: PMC8619821 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene are associated with lipid metabolism and lipid-related traits in the non-Hispanic population. There have been limited studies regarding the association between the APOE gene and hypercholesterolemia in the Hispanic population; therefore, our aim for this study is to examine the APOE gene’s associations with cholesterol level and its related phenotypes. The APOE gene consists of three different alleles, ε2, ε3, and ε4, with ε4 being associated with dementia and cardiovascular diseases. A total of 1,382 subjects were collected from the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC, N = 1320) and the Initial Study of Longevity and Dementia from the Rio Grande Valley (ISLD-RGV, N = 62). Questionnaires on demographics, medical history, and blood/saliva samples were collected and APOE genotypes were performed. We observed allele frequencies of the APOE ε3 (96.7%), ε4 (22.6%) and ε2 (6.8%) alleles, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant association between the APOE ε4 allele and hypercholesteremia (p = 1.8 × 10−4) in our studied Hispanic population. We prove for the first time, that the APOE ε4 allele increases the risk for hypercholesterol in Hispanics. Further research is needed to confirm and supports our current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lozano
- Department of Science, Graduate College of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Victoria Padilla
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (V.P.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Manuel Lee Avila
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (V.P.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Mario Gil
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, TX 78539, USA
| | - Gladys Maestre
- Neuroscience and School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Kesheng Wang
- Health Sciences Center, Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (C.X.); Tel.: +1-304-581-1912 (K.W.); +1-956-882-4193 (C.X.)
| | - Chun Xu
- Department of Health and Biomedical Science, College of Health Affairs, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (V.P.); (M.L.A.)
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (C.X.); Tel.: +1-304-581-1912 (K.W.); +1-956-882-4193 (C.X.)
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Weiss WF. Cutting Through the "Gray Area": An Analysis of the IBC Regulatory Oversight of Applications of CRISPR Technology in Clinical Research. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2021; 55:979-983. [PMID: 34003474 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-021-00294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has quickly ushered in a new era of gene editing and offered exciting potential for the development of biomedical products. While the breadth of applications for CRISPR encompasses nearly the entire field of medical science, its utilization to produce next-generation CAR T cells stands to benefit most substantially in the short-term. These novel therapeutics are now beginning to enter the clinical trial phase of the numerous approval pipelines, but does the existing regulatory framework have the capability to adequately review and approve the initiation of these new age research endeavors in the clinical setting? This analysis will illuminate the similarity and differences between CRISPR developed interventions and existing techniques used to produce biomedical products from a regulatory perspective in the United States. Further, the "gray area" surrounding CRISPR regulatory oversight will be explored and recommendations will be made to facilitate the elimination of inconsistencies that currently exist in the assessment of this work prior to the initiation of associated clinical trials.
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Danis M, Fox E, Tarzian A, Duke CC. Health care ethics programs in U.S. Hospitals: results from a National Survey. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:107. [PMID: 34325688 PMCID: PMC8320092 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00673-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As hospitals have grown more complex, the ethical concerns they confront have grown correspondingly complicated. Many hospitals have consequently developed health care ethics programs (HCEPs) that include far more than ethics consultation services alone. Yet systematic research on these programs is lacking. METHODS Based on a national, cross-sectional survey of a stratified sample of 600 US hospitals, we report on the prevalence, scope, activities, staffing, workload, financial compensation, and greatest challenges facing HCEPs. RESULTS Among 372 hospitals whose informants responded to an online survey, 97% of hospitals have HCEPs. Their scope includes clinical ethics functions in virtually all hospitals, but includes other functions in far fewer hospitals: ethical leadership (35.7%), regulatory compliance (29.0%), business ethics (26.2%), and research ethics (12.6%). HCEPs are responsible for providing ongoing ethics education to various target audiences including all staff (77.0%), nurses (59.9%), staff physicians (49.0%), hospital leadership (44.2%), medical residents (20.3%) and the community/general public (18.4%). HCEPs staff are most commonly involved in policy work through review of existing policies but are less often involved in development of new policies. HCEPs have an ethics representative in executive leadership in 80.5% of hospitals, have representation on other hospital committees in 40.7%, are actively engaged in community outreach in 22.6%, and lead large-scale ethics quality improvement initiatives in 17.7%. In general, major teaching hospitals and urban hospitals have the most highly integrated ethics programs with the broadest scope and greatest number of activities. Larger hospitals, academically affiliated hospitals, and urban hospitals have significantly more individuals performing HCEP work and significantly more individuals receiving financial compensation specifically for that work. Overall, the most common greatest challenge facing HCEPs is resource shortages, whereas underutilization is the most common greatest challenge for hospitals with fewer than 100 beds. Respondents' strategies for managing challenges include staff training and additional funds. CONCLUSIONS While this study must be cautiously interpreted due to its limitations, the findings may be useful for understanding the characteristics of HCEPs in US hospitals and the factors associated with these characteristics. This information may contribute to exploring ways to strengthen HCEPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Danis
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Rm 1C118, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1156, USA.
| | - Ellen Fox
- Fox Ethics Consulting, Arlington, VA, 22213, USA
| | - Anita Tarzian
- National Center for Ethics in Health Care, Veterans Health Administration, 811 Vermont St. NW., Washington, DC, 20571, USA
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Perceptions of Challenges Affecting Research Ethics Committees’ Members at Medical and Health Science Colleges in Omani and Jordanian Universities. JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC ETHICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10805-021-09410-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn recent years there has been an increase in research conducted in the Middle East, with a corresponding increase in the challenges faced by members of the Research Ethics Committees (RECs). This study compares the structures of Omani and Jordanian RECs and investigates the perceptions of the challenges affecting the work of the REC members in Oman and Jordan. A convenience sample of 34 Omani and 66 Jordanian participants from 21 universities was recruited in this cross-sectional study. Almost 70% disagreed that the members of RECs are unqualified, providing comments without justification; half believed that members have limited experience in research, and almost three-quarters that they have different opinions regarding some ethical issues. No significant differences were found between Omani and Jordanian REC members regarding their perception of the challenges, except for the perception that reviewing proposals is a time-consuming task (p = 0.048) and that multi-REC centres are less available (p = 0.026). The regression model showed that there were significantly more male members of Jordanian RECs, and that Jordanian members were less likely to receive formal training. In conclusion, the current structure of RECs and the challenges faced by members need to be re-evaluated by decision makers to improve the overall quality of research activities, and to ensure that current REC members’ practices adhere to international standards.
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Gajović S. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCHERS CONFRONTING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HYPOTHESES AND ETHICS 2021. [DOI: 10.47316/cajmhe.2021.2.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global challenge to be confronted by the biomedical community. This article aimed to explore how knowledgeable and competent researchers may contribute to fighting the pandemic, and to discuss the ethics and impact of this endeavor. Many medical researchers and in particular clinical practitioners are engaged in collecting new evidence and creating new knowledge by undertaking pandemic-related research. This research is frequently unplanned, and subsequently numerous obstacles to starting new but necessary studies must be overcome. To contribute research evidence in hard times represents a highly ethical move. Moreover, these new studies need ethical approvals, financial resources, and institutional frameworks. Another pandemic-related challenge is how to generate expert opinions during the period when solid evidence is missing. Unlike research studies providing necessary scientific evidence, expert opinions do not need ethical approvals or disclosures of competing interests. The apparent contrast of evidence-based versus opinion-based decision-making during the pandemic reconfirms that quality research studies have no alternatives at all times.
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Stoeklé HC, Ivasilevitch A, Hulier-Ammar E, Reynaert D, Hervé C. COVID-19 : quel rôle pour les comités d’éthique ? MÉDECINE & DROIT 2021. [PMCID: PMC7699024 DOI: 10.1016/j.meddro.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mettons à profit la situation sanitaire causée par l’épidémie de Covid 19 pour mettre en place une éthique du dialogue sur les modalités de la recherche.
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Sperling D. "Like a Sheriff in a Small Town": Status, Roles, and Challenges of Ethics Committees in Academic Colleges of Education. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2021; 16:290-303. [PMID: 33784840 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211005253] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, Research Ethics Committees in academic colleges of education have constituted to review research proposals in the field of education. Yet, little is known about their work, composition, challenges, and relationships with external partners. This study explores the views and attitudes of 13 members and chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees in colleges of education in Israel, and two policy makers at the Ministry of Education about their roles, responsibilities, challenges, and limitations. Findings revealed an instrumental attitude towards the ethics committee. Committees are perceived as supportive rather than enforcing. Interviews shed light on the complex relationships between committee members, college lecturers/researchers, ethics regulators, and academic management. Moreover, the findings emphasized the lack of formal training and broad discussion on ethics. The study calls for strengthening committees' raison d'être and the internalization of ethics among committee members, researchers, and lecturers in the field of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sperling
- Department of Nursing, 26748University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Friesen P, Douglas-Jones R, Marks M, Pierce R, Fletcher K, Mishra A, Lorimer J, Véliz C, Hallowell N, Graham M, Chan MS, Davies H, Sallamuddin T. Governing AI-Driven Health Research: Are IRBs Up to the Task? Ethics Hum Res 2021; 43:35-42. [PMID: 33683015 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many are calling for concrete mechanisms of oversight for health research involving artificial intelligence (AI). In response, institutional review boards (IRBs) are being turned to as a familiar model of governance. Here, we examine the IRB model as a form of ethics oversight for health research that uses AI. We consider the model's origins, analyze the challenges IRBs are facing in the contexts of both industry and academia, and offer concrete recommendations for how these committees might be adapted in order to provide an effective mechanism of oversight for health-related AI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Friesen
- Assistant professor in the Biomedical Ethics Unit and the Department of Social Studies of Medicine at McGill University
| | - Rachel Douglas-Jones
- Associate professor of anthropological approaches to data and infrastructure, the head of the Technologies in Practice research group, and the codirector of the ETHOS Lab at the IT University of Copenhagen
| | - Mason Marks
- Assistant professor of law at Gonzaga University and the Edmond J. Safra/Petrie-Flom Centers Joint Fellow-in-Residence at Harvard University
| | - Robin Pierce
- Associate professor at the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology and Society at the Tilburg Law School at Tilburg University
| | - Katherine Fletcher
- Coordinator of Cyber Security Oxford and the founding administrator of the Computer Science Department Research Ethics Committee in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- DPhil candidate at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford
| | - Jessica Lorimer
- DPhil candidate on the NEUROSEC team in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford
| | - Carissa Véliz
- Associate professor in the Faculty of Philosophy at the Institute for Ethics in AI as well as a tutorial fellow at Hertford College at the University of Oxford
| | - Nina Hallowell
- Codirector of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Health Data Science and a professor at the Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities at the University of Oxford
| | - Mackenzie Graham
- Senior research fellow in data ethics at the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities in the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford
| | - Mei Sum Chan
- DPhil student in the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford and a research fellow in the Department of Applied Health Research at University College London
| | - Huw Davies
- Lecturer in education at the School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh
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Moore SA, McCleary-Wheeler A, Coates JR, Olby N, London C. A CTSA One Health Alliance (COHA) survey of clinical trial infrastructure in North American veterinary institutions. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:90. [PMID: 33632219 PMCID: PMC7905595 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02795-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While a necessary step toward enhancing rigor and reproducibility of veterinary clinical trials conducted on the translational spectrum includes understanding the current state of the field, no broad assessment of existing veterinary clinical trial resources has been previously conducted. Funded by a CTSA One Health Alliance (COHA) pilot award, the goal of this project was to conduct an electronic survey of North American Veterinary Colleges regarding practices in veterinary clinical trial review, approval, conduct, and support in order to identify opportunities to leverage existing resources and develop new ones to enhance the impact of veterinary and translational health research.A total of 30 institutions were invited to participate in the survey and the survey response rate was 73 %. The most common source of funding noted for veterinary clinical research was industry (33 %); however, respondents reported that only 5 % (3.7-11.0) of studies were FDA-regulated. Respondents indicated that most studies (80 %); conducted at their institution were single site studies. Study review and approval involved the IACUC either solely, or in combination with a hospital review board, at 95.5 % of institutions. Workforce training related to clinical research best practices was variable across institutions. Opportunities were identified to strengthen infrastructure through harmonization of clinical research review and approval practices. This might naturally lead to expansion of multi-site studies. Based on respondent feedback, future workforce development initiatives might center on training in the specifics of conducting FDA-sponsored research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), clinical study budget design, grants management, adverse event reporting, study monitoring and use of electronic data capture platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Moore
- Comparative and Translational Medicine Program, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, USA.
| | | | - Joan R Coates
- Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Natasha Olby
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, USA
| | - Cheryl London
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Medford, USA
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Jia Y, Wen J, Qureshi R, Ehrhardt S, Celentano DD, Wei X, Rosman L, Wen Y, Robinson KA. Effect of redundant clinical trials from mainland China evaluating statins in patients with coronary artery disease: cross sectional study. BMJ 2021; 372:n48. [PMID: 33531350 PMCID: PMC7851709 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify redundant clinical trials evaluating statin treatment in patients with coronary artery disease from mainland China, and to estimate the number of extra major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) experienced by participants not treated with statins in those trials. DESIGN Cross sectional study. SETTING 2577 randomized clinical trials comparing statin treatment with placebo or no treatment in patients with coronary artery disease from mainland China, searched from bibliographic databases to December 2019. PARTICIPANTS 250 810 patients with any type of coronary artery disease who were enrolled in the 2577 randomized clinical trials. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Redundant clinical trials were defined as randomized clinical trials that initiated or continued recruiting after 2008 (ie, one year after statin treatment was strongly recommended by clinical practice guidelines). The primary outcome is the number of extra MACEs that were attributable to the deprivation of statins among patients in the control groups of redundant clinical trials-that is, the number of extra MACEs that could have been prevented if patients were given statins. Cumulative meta-analyses were also conducted to establish the time points when statins were shown to have a statistically significant effect on coronary artery disease. RESULTS 2045 redundant clinical trials were identified published between 2008 and 2019, comprising 101 486 patients in the control groups not treated with statins for 24 638 person years. 3470 (95% confidence interval 3230 to 3619) extra MACEs were reported, including 559 (95% confidence interval 506 to 612) deaths, 973 (95% confidence interval 897 to 1052) patients with new or recurrent myocardial infarction, 161 (132 to 190) patients with stroke, 83 (58 to 105) patients requiring revascularization, 398 (352 to 448) patients with heart failure, 1197 (1110 to 1282) patients with recurrent or deteriorated angina pectoris, and 99 (95% confidence interval 69 to 129) unspecified MACEs. CONCLUSIONS Of more than 2000 redundant clinical trials on statins in patients with coronary artery disease identified from mainland China, an extra 3000 MACEs, including nearly 600 deaths, were experienced by participants not treated with statins in these trials. The scale of redundancy necessitates urgent reform to protect patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxi Jia
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 8068, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jiajun Wen
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Riaz Qureshi
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephan Ehrhardt
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David D Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lori Rosman
- Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yumeng Wen
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 8068, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Verma N, Nippita S, Paul ME, Dodge LE. Examining the impact of federal regulations on abortion research in the United States: An exploratory, qualitative study. Contraception 2021; 103:265-268. [PMID: 33428905 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify and characterize barriers faced by researchers studying abortion in academic medical centers in the United States. We specifically focused on regulatory restrictions on abortion research related to institutional review board (IRB) or research ethics committee interpretations of Subpart B of the 2001 Code of Federal Regulations, which states that researchers cannot take part in decisions involving the timing, method, or procedures used to terminate a pregnancy. We aimed to document investigators' experiences obtaining approval from their IRBs and to identify obstacles that prevent investigators from generating evidence related to abortion care. STUDY DESIGN We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with family planning researchers at 15 US academic institutions across the country. We coded transcripts using an iterative process, and analyzed the data for content and themes. RESULTS Interviewees reported significant variations in the way that IRBs at their institutions applied federal regulations to abortion research. At several institutions, the regulations represented barriers to conducting abortion research and discouraged some investigators from conducting such research altogether. At other institutions, interviewees did not face significant barriers related to their IRB's interpretation of Subpart B. Many interviewees discussed creating and maintaining positive professional relationships with members of their IRB as a way to overcome barriers and successfully conduct abortion research. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that IRBs interpret Subpart B in varying ways. At some institutions, this creates barriers to conducting abortion research. However, abortion researchers have also found ways to navigate these challenges successfully. IMPLICATIONS This exploratory study identified barriers that may constrain the generation of evidence in abortion care at some academic institutions, and can inform future endeavors to overcome limitations to abortion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Verma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Siripanth Nippita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Maureen E Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Laura E Dodge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
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Labude MK, Shen L, Zhu Y, Schaefer GO, Ong C, Xafis V. Perspectives of Singaporean biomedical researchers and research support staff on actual and ideal IRB review functions and characteristics: A quantitative analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241783. [PMID: 33382683 PMCID: PMC7774925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biomedical research is overseen by numerous Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in Singapore but there has been no research that examines how the research review process is perceived by the local research community nor is there any systematic data on perceptions regarding the review process or other research ethics processes and IRB characteristics. The aim of this study was to ascertain general views regarding the overall perceived value of ethics review processes; to measure perceptions about local IRB functions and characteristics; to identify IRB functions and characteristics viewed as important; and to compare these views with those of other international studies. Methods An online survey was used with the main component being the IRB-Researcher Assessment Tool (IRB-RAT), a validated tool, to evaluate perceptions of ideal and actual IRB functions and characteristics held by Singaporean researchers and research support staff. Data were analysed descriptively first, with mean and SD of each item of IRB-RAT questionnaire reported, excluding the respondents whose answers were unknown or not applicable. The Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to compare the ideal and actual ratings of each IRB-RAT item, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the ratings of each IRB-RAT item between respondents with different characteristics. The Z-test was used to compare the mean ratings of our cohort with the mean ratings reported in the literature. The correlation between our mean ideal scores and those of two international studies also employing the IRB-RAT was examined. Results Seventy-one respondents completed the survey. This cohort generally held positive views of the impact of the ethics review process on: the quality of research; establishing and maintaining public trust in research; the protection of research participants; and on the scientific validity of research. The most important ideal IRB characteristics were timeliness, upholding participants’ rights while also facilitating research, working with investigators to find solutions when there are disagreements, and not allowing biases to affect reviews. For almost all 45 IRB-RAT statements, the rating of the importance of the characteristic was higher than the rating of how much that characteristic was descriptive of IRBs the respondents were familiar with. There was a significant strong correlation between our study’s scores on the ideal IRB characteristics and those of the first and largest published study that employed the IRB-RAT, the US National Validation (USNV) sample in Keith-Spiegel et al. [19]. Conclusions An understanding of the perceptions held by Singaporean researchers and research support staff on the value that the ethics review process adds, their perceptions of actual IRB functions and characteristics as well as what they view as central to high functioning IRBs is the first step to considering the aspects of the review process that might benefit from improvements. This study provides insight into how our cohort compares to others internationally and highlights strengths and areas for improvement of Singapore IRBs as perceived by a small sample of the local research community. Such insights provide a springboard for additional research and may assist in further enhancing good relations so that both are working towards the same end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus K. Labude
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (MKL); (VX)
| | - Liang Shen
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yujia Zhu
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - G. Owen Schaefer
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Catherine Ong
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vicki Xafis
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (MKL); (VX)
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Ferguson K. The Health Reframing of Climate Change and the Poverty of Narrow Bioethics. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2020; 48:705-717. [PMID: 33404344 DOI: 10.1177/1073110520979381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We must resist thoroughly reframing climate change as a health issue. For human health-centric ethical frameworks omit dimensions of value that we must duly consider. We need a new, an environmental, research ethic, one that we can use to more completely and impartially evaluate proposed research on mitigation and adaptation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Ferguson
- Kyle Ferguson, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and an adjunct professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at NYU
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Beshir L. Research Ethics Committees in Laboratory Medicine. EJIFCC 2020; 31:282-291. [PMID: 33376468 PMCID: PMC7745300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research that involves human subjects requires compliance with ethical principles and guidelines. The ethical and scientific standards of research have been thoroughly discussed by international ethical guidelines and declarations. Compliance with these ensures the autonomy, dignity and well-being of research subjects; as well as the integrity and credibility of research results. Research ethics committees (RECs) are mandated to ensure that research proposals are scientifically sound and ethical. In this review, we define RECs in laboratory medicine and describe their role based on the examination of the requirements of ethical research; discuss particular ethical issues that arise in laboratory medicine research using biological samples, what challenges they face and how they can ensure the quality of their review. RECs need to be put into a broader framework that ensures institutional governance with continuous evaluation and auditing that ensure the quality of ethical review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamis Beshir
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum, Sudan
- On behalf of the IFCC Task Force on Ethics (TF-E)
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Myers LC, Blumenthal KG, Phadke NA, Wickner PG, Seguin CM, Mort E. Conducting Safety Research Safely: A Policy-Based Approach for Conducting Research with Peer Review Protected Material. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2020; 47:S1553-7250(20)30244-0. [PMID: 33153915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A multidisciplinary team developed a policy-based approach that provides guidance for using peer review protected information for safety research while maintaining peer review privilege. The approach includes project approval by an ad hoc review committee, signed confidentiality agreements by investigators and study staff, early removal of case identification numbers, standards for maintaining data security, and publication of aggregate data without data set sharing. By describing this procedure and embedding into an institutional policy on Data for Performance Improvement, the team encourages other institutions to develop similar policies consistent with their state regulations.
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Duffy KA, Ziolek TA, Epperson CN. Filling the Regulatory Gap: Potential Role of Institutional Review Boards in Promoting Consideration of Sex as a Biological Variable. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:868-875. [PMID: 32267784 PMCID: PMC7718845 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Consideration of sex differences in biomedical research is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices for both sexes and to improve the rigor and reproducibility of scientific discoveries. Historically, women were underrepresented in clinical research and sex differences typically were not considered. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have played a role in improving the representation of women in clinical trials and in encouraging the consideration of sex differences. As it is not appropriate for all studies to be reviewed by the FDA nor do all studies have NIH funding, this results in a regulatory gap. We propose that local institutional review boards (IRBs) and institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) provide greater oversight by encouraging researchers to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) during protocol review. In this perspective article, we review how FDA and NIH policies have fostered change and highlight how IRBs and IACUCs could encourage investigators to consider SABV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrina A. Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tracy A. Ziolek
- Office of Human Research Affairs, United HealthGroup, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - C. Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Beskow LM, Hammack-Aviran CM, Brelsford KM, O’Rourke PP. Expert Perspectives on Oversight for Unregulated mHealth Research: Empirical Data and Commentary. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2020; 48:138-146. [PMID: 32342753 PMCID: PMC7783510 DOI: 10.1177/1073110520917039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In qualitative interviews with a diverse group of experts, the vast majority believed unregulated researchers should seek out independent oversight. Reasons included the need for objectivity, protecting app users from research risks, and consistency in standards for the ethical conduct of research. Concerns included burdening minimal risk research and limitations in current systems of oversight. Literature and analysis supports the use of IRBs even when not required by regulations, and the need for evidence-based improvements in IRB processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Beskow
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN)
| | | | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN)
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Rothstein MA, Wilbanks JT, Beskow LM, Brelsford KM, Brothers KB, Doerr M, Evans BJ, Hammack-Aviran CM, McGowan ML, Tovino SA. Unregulated Health Research Using Mobile Devices: Ethical Considerations and Policy Recommendations. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2020; 48:196-226. [PMID: 32342752 DOI: 10.1177/1073110520917047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mobile devices with health apps, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, crowd-sourced information, and other data sources have enabled research by new classes of researchers. Independent researchers, citizen scientists, patient-directed researchers, self-experimenters, and others are not covered by federal research regulations because they are not recipients of federal financial assistance or conducting research in anticipation of a submission to the FDA for approval of a new drug or medical device. This article addresses the difficult policy challenge of promoting the welfare and interests of research participants, as well as the public, in the absence of regulatory requirements and without discouraging independent, innovative scientific inquiry. The article recommends a series of measures, including education, consultation, transparency, self-governance, and regulation to strike the appropriate balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Rothstein
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - John T Wilbanks
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Laura M Beskow
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Kathleen M Brelsford
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Kyle B Brothers
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Megan Doerr
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Barbara J Evans
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Catherine M Hammack-Aviran
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Michelle L McGowan
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
| | - Stacey A Tovino
- Mark A. Rothstein, J.D., is Herbert F. Boehl Chair of Law and Medicine and Director of the Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. John T. Wilbanks is Chief Commons Officer of Sage Bionetworks. Laura M. Beskow, M.P.H., Ph.D., is Professor and Ann Geddes Stahlman Chair in Medical Ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kathleen M. Brelsford, Ph.D., M.P.H., is Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Kyle B. Brothers, M.D., Ph.D., is Endowed Chair of Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine. Megan Doerr, M.S., L.G.C., is Principal Scientist, Governance at Sage Bionetworks. Barbara J. Evans, J.D., Ph.D., is Mary Ann and Lawrence E. Faust Professor of Law, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Law, University of Houston. Catherine M. Hammack-Aviran, M.A., J.D., is Associate in Health Policy at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Michelle L. McGowan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Stacey A. Tovino, J.D., Ph.D., is Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor of Law at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
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Scott AM, Kolstoe S, Ploem MCC, Hammatt Z, Glasziou P. Exempting low-risk health and medical research from ethics reviews: comparing Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands. Health Res Policy Syst 2020; 18:11. [PMID: 31992320 PMCID: PMC6986069 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-019-0520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disproportionate regulation of health and medical research contributes to research waste. Better understanding of exemptions of research from ethics review in different jurisdictions may help to guide modification of review processes and reduce research waste. Our aim was to identify examples of low-risk human health and medical research exempt from ethics reviews in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands. METHODS We examined documents providing national guidance on research ethics in each country, including those authored by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), National Health Service (United Kingdom), the Office for Human Research Protections (United States) and the Central Committee on Research Involving Humans (the Netherlands). Examples and types of research projects exempt from ethics reviews were identified, and similar examples and types were grouped together. RESULTS Nine categories of research were exempt from ethics reviews across the four countries; these were existing data or specimen, questionnaire or survey, interview, post-marketing study, evaluation of public benefit or service programme, randomised controlled trials, research with staff in their professional role, audit and service evaluation, and other exemptions. Existing non-identifiable data and specimens were exempt in all countries. Four categories - evaluation of public benefit or service programme, randomised controlled trials, research with staff in their professional role, and audit and service evaluation - were exempted by one country each. The remaining categories were exempted by two or three countries. CONCLUSIONS Examples and types of research exempt from research ethics reviews varied considerably. Given the considerable costs and burdens on researchers and ethics committees, it would be worthwhile to develop and provide clearer guidance on exemptions, illustrated with examples, with transparent underpinning rationales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mae Scott
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, QLD, 4226, Australia.
| | | | | | - Zoë Hammatt
- Z Consulting LLC, Denver, USA.,John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, QLD, 4226, Australia
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Abstract
The objective of this commentary is to provide a framework and ethical justification for a more proactive model of continual, active monitoring of research. We outline what the increased monitoring should consist of, and the practical constraints associated with executing these monitoring functions. We also defend the idea that adequate post-initial-review monitoring requires greater REB involvement, rather than trust and researcher's assurances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Kaposy
- Center for Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada
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50
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Laothavorn J, Wongwai P, Dumre SP, Kongjam P, Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J. Ethical approval and informed consent reporting in ASEAN journals: a systematic review. Curr Med Res Opin 2019; 35:2179-2186. [PMID: 31334686 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2019.1647505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: Scientific publication is a way to disseminate knowledge to the scientific community. However, an article usually has very little information on how and why ethical approval (EA) and informed consent (IC) was obtained, which can make it very difficult for a reader to evaluate the ethical validity of the study. While many internationally recognized journals and publishers have already adopted a high EA/IC reporting standard, many journals still fail to do so. The aim of this study was to explore the EA/IC reporting standards, as well as their implementation, of the Association of Southeastern Asian Nation (ASEAN) member journals.Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed for articles that were published in journals from ASEAN member states in 2016. The articles were then reviewed, categorized into study types, and given two scores-one for their EA statement and one for their IC statement-ranging from 0-4. A list of journals was compiled from the articles retrieved and their instructions to authors regarding EA/IC statements were scored on a scale of 0-2. The data was statistically analyzed using Chi-square test (2-sided) with SPSS (version 21) with p-value < .05 being considered statistically significant.Results: While a high proportion of articles adequately reported EA, many failed to report IC. Journals with better EA and IC instruction scores had a higher percentage of articles that adequately reported EA/IC. There were significant relationships between EA/IC statement scores and journals' instructions scores (EA: p = .002; IC: p = .019).Conclusions: There may be a need for journals to play key roles in advocating the importance of reporting EA and IC by strictly enforcing high EA/IC reporting standards and refusing the publication of articles that fail to comply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjira Laothavorn
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Thammsart University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Pantipa Wongwai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Shyam Prakash Dumre
- Department of Immunogenetic, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Panida Kongjam
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Thammsart University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Juntra Karbwang
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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