Did you know that clinical research institutes use tissues removed from human bodies for research without the consent of the respective patients? Clinical research is vital in healthcare as it aids in developing knowledge and understanding of human biology. However, the public health sector has consistently faced ethical dilemmas regarding the acceptable extent of its reach. Also, the sector’s critical activities, such as conducting clinical research, have raised ethical dilemmas on whether such activities are ethically troublesome or infringe on personal liberties. Throughout the years, a controversial question has been raised on whether it is ethical for scientists to research using the left-over specimens of unidentified patients. Researchers and scientists should seek patients’ consent before using their left-over specimens for clinical research. The current paper develops an ethical argument to support the opinion that stresses the need for patient-informed consent.
Kass (2001) mentions that it is unethical for clinical researchers to carry out research with left-over biological specimens without the patient’s informed consent. In stressing the opinion, Kass (2001) argues that such practice would infringe on the patient’s liberty in ethically troublesome ways. In their 6-step public health ethics framework, Kass (2001) stresses the need to remain focused on the ultimate goal of the various programs while upholding ethics. Thus, the potential burden of clinical research, informed consent, can be eliminated by getting consent from patients to use their left-over biological specimens to facilitate clinical research.
It is ethical to ask patients for their broad consent before using their bio-specimens for future research. According to Emanuel (2000), clinical research is ethical if it upholds independent review, is value-based, grounded on scientific validity, exercises informed consent, respects enrolled subjects, and has a fair selection of subjects and a favorable risk-benefit ratio. In discussing informed consent as one of the critical requirements of ethical research, Emanuel (2000) stresses that health practitioners should seek the patient’s consent before using their left-over biological specimen for research. The employee’s values, individual liberty, and preferences are upheld by seeking such consent.
Patients should be required to consent for every individual research project for which their left-over tissues may be used. Emanuel (2000) supports this opinion by highlighting the benefits of informed consent as enhancing respect for patients and their autonomous decisions. Emanuel (2002) further argues that enrolling patients’ left-over specimens for research projects without their consent and authorization is similar to treating patients as means to achieve ends that they may not endorse. Such practices are unethical and contrary to Kass’s (2001) public health ethical framework. Emanuel (2002) and Kass (2001) mention the need for ethics in clinical research, especially when making a decision to use left-over biological tissues in research projects.
In summary, the current paper advocates that scientists and clinical researchers should seek the consent of patients before using their left-over biological tissues for clinical research. It is critical to accept the dynamic nature of the world, including the healthcare field. Since new bacteria come into existence on a daily basis, clinical research cannot be overlooked as it plays a critical role in developing knowledge of human biology. However, it is ethical to seek the consent of the patients whose left-over biological specimens are recommended for use in present or future research projects.
References
Emanuel, E. J., Wendler, D., & Grady, C. (2000). What makes clinical research ethical? Jama, 283(20), 2701-2711.
Kass, N. E. (2001). An ethics framework for public health. American journal of public health, 91(11), 1776-1782.
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