Ethics in research: a box of tissues

Swaran Singh

doi:10.1192/pb.bp.106.012823

Abstract

‘Our revolution in accountability has not reduced attitudes of mistrust, but rather reinforced a culture of suspicion. Instead of working towards intelligent accountability based on good governance, independent inspection and careful reporting, we are galloping towards central planning by

Highlights

While applying for research and development approval for a Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) approved study, our research team spent some time and effort discussing the merits of adding a sentence in the ethics section: ‘a box of tissues will be made available for any participants who become distressed during the interview’
It further states that ‘the research protocol should always contain a statement of the ethical considerations involved and should indicate that the principles enunciated in the present Declaration are complied with’
Faced with the need for specifying procedural detail down to the availability of a box of tissues, one cannot help wonder: Are these guidelines surveillance masquerading as procedures? Is the committee which considers specification of such detail genuinely concerned with anticipating and minimising harm or in attributing blame should there be a complaint?

Summary

Introduction

While applying for research and development approval for a Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) approved study, our research team spent some time and effort discussing the merits of adding a sentence in the ethics section: ‘a box of tissues will be made available for any participants who become distressed during the interview’. We had not considered a box of tissues. It further states that ‘the research protocol should always contain a statement of the ethical considerations involved and should indicate that the principles enunciated in the present Declaration are complied with’.

Results

Conclusion