Open AccessRestoring Balance: A Consensus Statement on the Protection of Vulnerable Research Participants
Author(s) -
James M. DuBois,
Laura M. Beskow,
Jean Campbell,
Karen L. Dugosh,
David S. Festinger,
Sarah M. Hartz,
Rosalina James,
Charles W. Lidz
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2012.300757
Subject(s) - harm , statement (logic) , dilemma , variety (cybernetics) , autonomy , balance (ability) , public relations , common rule , economic justice , political science , medicine , psychology , informed consent , law , alternative medicine , computer science , philosophy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , pathology , physical medicine and rehabilitation
A diverse panel convened in June 2011 to explore a dilemma in human research: some traits may make individuals or communities particularly vulnerable to a variety of harms in research; however, well-intended efforts to protect these vulnerable individuals and communities from harm may actually generate a series of new harms. We have presented a consensus statement forged by the panel through discussion during a 2-day meeting and the article-writing process. We have identified practical problems that sometimes arise in connection with providing additional safeguards for groups labeled as vulnerable and offered recommendations on how we might better balance concerns for protection with concerns for justice and participant autonomy.