Ethics: Difference between revisions
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'One's actions, behaviour or conduct as governed by moral principles' | 'One's actions, behaviour or conduct as governed by moral principles' | ||
In the context of biomedical research, ethics refer to the methods and practice of scientists in relation to the treatment and respect of their subjects (both human and non-human) in and outside the lab <ref>Ethics definition, Oxford English Dictionaries © 2017 Oxford University Press [cited 19/10/17] available from: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/ethics</ref>. | In the context of biomedical research, ethics refer to the methods and practice of scientists in relation to the treatment and respect of their subjects (both human and non-human) in and outside the lab<ref>Ethics definition, Oxford English Dictionaries © 2017 Oxford University Press [cited 19/10/17] available from: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/ethics</ref>. | ||
The use of humans and non-human animals in biomedical research is a highly controversial topic which has resulted in the introduction of many laws<ref>Mental Capacity Act 2005</ref>. Animals are models used for studying human biology and disease with the aim of making advancements in human health. Scientists aim to replicate certain mutations/diseases that are present in humans into animals in the lab to then further research the causes and implications of the mutation and try potential treatments. | The use of humans and non-human animals in biomedical research is a highly controversial topic which has resulted in the introduction of many laws<ref>Mental Capacity Act 2005</ref>. Animals are models used for studying human biology and disease with the aim of making advancements in human health. Scientists aim to replicate certain mutations/diseases that are present in humans into animals in the lab to then further research the causes and implications of the mutation and try potential treatments. | ||
In any research projects, a subject or participant must give their informed | In any research projects, a subject or participant must give their informed consent to the researcher before they can partake. To give consent, a participant must have sufficient capacity and be fully informed of the aims and research methods, intended to be used during the research, in terms which they can understand and free from scientific jargon.<ref>https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/consent-to-research/consent-to-research</ref>. | ||
There are four principles of biomedical ethics: | There are four principles of biomedical ethics: | ||
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#'''Justice''' | #'''Justice''' | ||
=== Respect for participants === | |||
Respect for participants encompasses | Respect for participants encompasses their autonomy and confidentiality. | ||
Respecting participants' autonomy | Respecting participants' autonomy relies on the researcher allowing the participant to formulate their own decisions free from coercion and penalties. Participants' decisions includes granting their consent to participate in a research project, changing their minds part-way through the research and withdrawing from the research<ref>https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics</ref><ref>https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research</ref>. | ||
Respecting participants' confidentiality relies on all | Respecting participants' confidentiality relies on all of the data generated from the research and all personal/identifiable patient data are stored securely, in accordance to the responsible laws/regulations, and that only the data essential for the research is collected.<ref>https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research</ref><ref>https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5</ref>. | ||
=== Beneficence === | |||
Beneficence is where the actions of the researcher/study | Beneficence is where the actions of the researcher/study are done for the benefit of the participant. In research, beneficence is to both minimise the risks posed to the participant and to maximise the benefits to them. In research, beneficence can be viewed as part of a risk-benefit ratio, where the predicted benefits equal or outweighs the risks.<ref>https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics</ref><ref>https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research</ref><ref>https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5</ref>. | ||
=== Non-maleficence === | |||
Non-maleficence is where the participants are protected from harm (ie. | Non-maleficence is where the participants are protected from harm (ie. do no harm). In research, this is where the main aim is not to cause any undue/significant harm to participants or where there is no benefit to conducting the research but also has the risk of significant harm to them. Non-maleficence must also be considered when conducting research in order to prevent cumulative risks of harm to the patient (eg. cumulative X-ray damage over prolonged exposure before and during the study) and to prevent patients from volunteering for research more often than is advisable<ref>https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics</ref><ref>https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5</ref>. | ||
'''Justice''' | '''Justice''' | ||
Justice is based on the concept of fairness, where all benefits, costs and risks are evenly and fairly distributed. Justice/fairness in participant selection in research is where the selection parameters are based on science, rather than discrimination (eg. vulnerability, | Justice is based on the concept of fairness, where all benefits, costs and risks are evenly and fairly distributed. Justice/fairness in participant selection in research is where the selection parameters are based on science, rather than discrimination (eg. vulnerability, easy to access within a population, availability, privilege). Justice is also where all of the participants accept the risks of the research and have adequate access to the benefits of it.<ref name="UKCEN: Ethical Issues - Ethical Frameworks">http://www.ukcen.net/ethical_issues/ethical_frameworks/the_four_principles_of_biomedical_ethics</ref><ref>https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics</ref><ref>https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research</ref>. | ||
=== References === | === References === | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 18:33, 24 October 2018
According to the Oxford Dictionary, 'ethics' are defined as:
'One's actions, behaviour or conduct as governed by moral principles'
In the context of biomedical research, ethics refer to the methods and practice of scientists in relation to the treatment and respect of their subjects (both human and non-human) in and outside the lab[1].
The use of humans and non-human animals in biomedical research is a highly controversial topic which has resulted in the introduction of many laws[2]. Animals are models used for studying human biology and disease with the aim of making advancements in human health. Scientists aim to replicate certain mutations/diseases that are present in humans into animals in the lab to then further research the causes and implications of the mutation and try potential treatments.
In any research projects, a subject or participant must give their informed consent to the researcher before they can partake. To give consent, a participant must have sufficient capacity and be fully informed of the aims and research methods, intended to be used during the research, in terms which they can understand and free from scientific jargon.[3].
There are four principles of biomedical ethics:
- Respect for participants
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
Respect for participants
Respect for participants encompasses their autonomy and confidentiality.
Respecting participants' autonomy relies on the researcher allowing the participant to formulate their own decisions free from coercion and penalties. Participants' decisions includes granting their consent to participate in a research project, changing their minds part-way through the research and withdrawing from the research[4][5].
Respecting participants' confidentiality relies on all of the data generated from the research and all personal/identifiable patient data are stored securely, in accordance to the responsible laws/regulations, and that only the data essential for the research is collected.[6][7].
Beneficence
Beneficence is where the actions of the researcher/study are done for the benefit of the participant. In research, beneficence is to both minimise the risks posed to the participant and to maximise the benefits to them. In research, beneficence can be viewed as part of a risk-benefit ratio, where the predicted benefits equal or outweighs the risks.[8][9][10].
Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence is where the participants are protected from harm (ie. do no harm). In research, this is where the main aim is not to cause any undue/significant harm to participants or where there is no benefit to conducting the research but also has the risk of significant harm to them. Non-maleficence must also be considered when conducting research in order to prevent cumulative risks of harm to the patient (eg. cumulative X-ray damage over prolonged exposure before and during the study) and to prevent patients from volunteering for research more often than is advisable[11][12].
Justice
Justice is based on the concept of fairness, where all benefits, costs and risks are evenly and fairly distributed. Justice/fairness in participant selection in research is where the selection parameters are based on science, rather than discrimination (eg. vulnerability, easy to access within a population, availability, privilege). Justice is also where all of the participants accept the risks of the research and have adequate access to the benefits of it.[13][14][15].
References
- ↑ Ethics definition, Oxford English Dictionaries © 2017 Oxford University Press [cited 19/10/17] available from: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/ethics
- ↑ Mental Capacity Act 2005
- ↑ https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/consent-to-research/consent-to-research
- ↑ https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics
- ↑ https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research
- ↑ https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research
- ↑ https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5
- ↑ https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics
- ↑ https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research
- ↑ https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5
- ↑ https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics
- ↑ https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-research/good-practice-in-research#paragraph-5
- ↑ http://www.ukcen.net/ethical_issues/ethical_frameworks/the_four_principles_of_biomedical_ethics
- ↑ https://www.avac.org/principles-research-ethics
- ↑ https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research