Abstract
In April 2002 the Nuffield Council on Bioethics published the Report The Ethics of Research Related to . It provides an ethical framework for those designing or conducting healthcarerelated Healthcare in Developing Countries research in developing countries. This paper will draw on the conclusions made in the Report, and present some of the recommendations. It will cover the importance of genuine consent, standards of care and ethical review of research. The focus will be on what happens when research is over and benefits to the community. The Report concludes that rigorous safeguards must be in place to prevent the exploitation of those who take part in externally-sponsored research.
Highlights
In April 2002 the Nuffield Council on Bioethics published the Report The Ethics of Research Related to Healthcare in Developing Countries
This paper will draw on the conclusions made in the Report, and present some of the recommendations. It will cover the importance of genuine consent, standards of care and ethical review of research
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an independent body that examines ethical questions raised by recent advances in biological and medical research
Summary
Misunderstandings can occur when sponsors of research are unfamiliar with the cultural traditions of the country in which it is conducted. In some communities it is customary for senior members of the family to make decisions on behalf of wives and children. It is crucial to be sensitive to cultural differences, and the Working Party recommended that in some cultural contexts it may be necessary to obtain agreement from the particular community or assent from a senior family member, before any prospective participant in research is approached. We must recognise that in some situations it may be inappropriate to ask participants to sign consent forms. An obvious example is if research is being conducted in an illiterate population. In these circumstances, participants could be asked to give verbal consent. The consent process and information to be provided should always be approved by a research ethics committee. Decisions will need to be justified to local research ethics committees
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