Conducting research that is both ethical and responsive to the health needs of a developing country
- Author:
Joon Wah Mak
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
ethical and responsive research;
research needs;
developing countries;
resource allocation;
research stakeholders
- MeSH:
Ethics, Research
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2014;8(1):19-23
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
There is no substantial difference in
conducting research that is both ethical and responsive
to the health needs in developing and developed nations.
Differences are in financial constraints, technological
expertise in identification and addressing needs, and in
the perception of equal partnership of all stakeholders.
There will be differences in emphasis of research but
this is slowly blurred due to globalisation. Public health
emergencies in developing countries need timely and
effective global collaborative research to implement
control strategies. Research needs should be based on
predictive models with learning from past emergencies,
technological advances, strategic critical appraisal of
local and global health information, and dialogue with
all stakeholders. Adequate funding will be challenging
and resources from national, international and aid
foundations will be needed. Issues associated with such
funding include deployment of international rapid
response teams, collaborating researchers, transfer of
technology, and intellectual property ownership. While
all types of research ranging from basic, applied, clinical
studies, meta-analysis, and translational research are
relevant, the relative importance and specific allocation
of resources to these may differ. Is the choice related
to responsiveness or based on researchers’ perception
of their contributions to evidence-based practice and
research? Ethical issues relating to vulnerable groups,
risk distribution, quality issues, research integrity and
oversight are just as important. Internationally funded
research including clinical trials must be sensitive to
such issues to avoid allegations of exploitation. Thus the
potential of utilisation and buy-in of research findings
and recommendations must be considered.
- Full text:P020150528364638581643.pdf
