Discussion forum replies
It is true that all patients’ ethics should be upheld regardless of their age. Patients who are below the legal age of 18 are not in a position to give consent on certain medical matters. Therefore, when children are subjected to be participants in medical research, consent is acquired from the parents or guardians. All patients should be informed of any research that is being carried on them. There has been controversy on the competence of parents and guardians to reach decisions in the best interest of their children (Ignacio & Taylor, 2013). I agree that through the various legal actions taken has enabled children to give an opinion on their involvement in medical research programs. Children should be well informed on the advantages of participating in medical research. They should be made comfortable by not being manipulated into participating in research if they are not interested.
Ignacio, J., & Taylor, B. (2013). Ethical issues in health-care inquiry: A discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 1856-61. doi:10.1111/ijn.12017
Hi Heather Sine,
Autonomy is an ethical issue that has surrounded patients under the age of 18 years. This has been because they have constantly manipulated into making decisions that they do not find suitable. Parents having the rights to make decisions on behalf of their children should seek the Childs’ opinion concerning the matter. This should be done to ensure that decision reached is suitable to the patient. The “mature minors” law refers to patients who are almost of legal age. The law entitles them to give opinion on matters concerning their medical situation if they are well informed (Bristol & Hicks, 2014). Such individuals should be informed of the risks, nature and the benefits. Through supporting the patients, respect of autonomy is respected.
Bristol, S., & Hicks, R. (2014). Protecting boundaries of consent in clinical research: Implications for improvement. Nursing Ethics, 21(1), 16-27. doi:10.1177/0969733013487190
Hi Smijamol Varghese,
The Institutional Review board (IRB) is an established group that reviews all research carried out on human subjects. The IRB is known to overlook research and set standards in agencies. The FDA has given authority to IRB to approve or disapprove certain medical research programs in their institutions. IRB ensures that any person who is a subject in research is protected. Assurance is guaranteed through the IRB set standards that are observed. It is true that the process has been established to ensure that research is well undertaken, and protocol observed. FDA sets the standards of the IRB by stating the number of persons in the board and where they should be picked (Castner, Grinslade, Guay, Hettinger, Seo & Boris, 2013). The members comprise of chairpersons appointed by the vice president for research. A member not affiliated with the medical research institution nor a family member to a research subject is appointed in the board. The board members on IRB do provide informed council to its patients since they are experienced.
Castner, J., Grinslade, S., Guay, J., Hettinger, A., Seo, J., & Boris, L. (2013). Clinical Nurses Forum: Registered Nurse Scope of Practice and ED Complaint-Specific Protocols. Journal Of Emergency Nursing, 39467-473.e3. doi:10.1016/j.jen.2013.02.009
Hi Carrie Norman,
It is correct that the Tushegee Syphilis was established to carry out research to establish the natural cause of syphilis. The subjects however remained untreated since the research was kept secret until 1972 following its establishment in 1932. Medical injustices did occur during this period that still is unaccounted. Ethical concerns continue to arise with the advancement in technology and funding from various institutions and investors (Reverby, 2011). In this context, overseeing research conducted by medical institutions to avoid errors is essential. Board members are required to give information on the completion of research as stated. All nurses should be informed of the institutional review board of all their activities.
Reverby, S. M. (2011). “Normal Exposure” and Inoculation Syphilis: A PHS “Tuskegee” Doctor in Guatemala, 1946–1948. Journal of Policy History, 23(1), 6-28. doi:10.1017/S0898030610000291
