Analyze the relationship between ethics and health care research. You will demonstrate your research skills by applying them to an ethical scenario you choose. While most health care managers do not conduct research, being able to evaluate research and apply it to situations, such as the ethical concerns presented in this assignment, are a valuable part of the effective management and adaptable leadership needed in the health care industry.
Assignment Preparation
Select 1 of the following ethical scenarios:
A company uses patient DNA for research without the patient’s knowledge or consent.
A nonprofit organization sells fetal tissue for research. (Note: Do not assume this is illegal; this may be legal in some states or jurisdictions.)
Management invites researchers onto a health care research project who do not have the institutional review board’s (IRB) approval or exemption.
An oncology clinical trials coordinator is conducting a research study and selects a relative who has the cancer under investigation. The relative is placed in the group receiving the experimental drug.
Search the University Library for at least 3 peer-reviewed research articles that relate to the ethical concerns of your chosen scenario or to the process step at which ethical issues may have begun. Assignment Directions
Create a presentation (the title and reference slides do not count in this number) with detailed speaker notes in which you:
Identify the ethical concern and at what step in the scenario the ethical concern(s) occurred.
Explain how evidence-based research can eliminate or minimize ethical concerns in the health care industry.
Compare and contrast research studies and quality-management projects as they relate to the health care industry.
Explain external factors that have an impact on the ethical concern in the scenario.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The relationship between ethics and healthcare research is crucial in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the healthcare industry. Ethical concerns can arise at different stages of research, and it is important to understand how evidence-based research can address these concerns. This answer will discuss the chosen ethical scenario, the impact of evidence-based research on ethical concerns, the comparison between research studies and quality management projects in healthcare, and the external factors influencing the ethical concern.
Answer:
1. Identify the ethical concern and at what step in the scenario the ethical concern(s) occurred.
In the selected scenario, the ethical concern is “A company uses patient DNA for research without the patient’s knowledge or consent.” The ethical concern arises at the initial step where the company obtains patient DNA samples without proper informed consent, disregarding patient autonomy and privacy rights.
2. Explain how evidence-based research can eliminate or minimize ethical concerns in the healthcare industry.
Evidence-based research plays a significant role in addressing and minimizing ethical concerns in the healthcare industry. By following rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based research ensures that the rights and well-being of participants are protected. Proper informed consent procedures, transparency in data collection and analysis, and adherence to ethical guidelines minimize the potential harm to participants. Ethical concerns can be eliminated through clear communication about the purpose, risks, and benefits of the research, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their participation.
3. Compare and contrast research studies and quality-management projects as they relate to the healthcare industry.
Research studies and quality-management projects both contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes, but they differ in their specific objectives and methodologies. Research studies aim to generate new knowledge and validate hypotheses, while quality-management projects focus on implementing best practices and improving existing processes.
Research studies involve systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation, often using controlled experiments or observational studies. On the other hand, quality-management projects emphasize the evaluation and improvement of healthcare processes, such as patient safety, efficiency, and satisfaction. These projects utilize tools like quality improvement models, data analysis, and feedback mechanisms to monitor and enhance the delivery of care.
4. Explain external factors that have an impact on the ethical concern in the scenario.
Several external factors can influence the ethical concern in the scenario of a company using patient DNA for research without consent. Legal frameworks and regulations play a crucial role in determining the boundaries of ethical practices in healthcare research. Jurisdiction-specific laws regarding informed consent, privacy, and use of patient data can impact the ethical implications of such actions.
Additionally, societal expectations, norms, and cultural values shape the perception of ethical behavior in research. Public opinion and awareness can prompt organizations to prioritize ethical considerations. Ethical guidelines provided by professional associations and oversight bodies, such as institutional review boards (IRBs), also impact ethical decision-making in research.
In conclusion, the relationship between ethics and healthcare research is of utmost importance. By identifying the ethical concerns in a given scenario, understanding how evidence-based research addresses these concerns, and comparing research studies with quality-management projects, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions of healthcare research. Recognizing the impact of external factors further highlights the multifaceted nature of ethical concerns in the healthcare industry.
