NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 1 Protecting Human Research Participants

Grace J.
February 16, 2024February 16, 2024
MSN, NURS-FPX5005

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 5005 Introduction to Nursing Research, Ethics, and Technology

Prof. Name

Date

Protecting Human Research Participants

Introduction

Human research has played a crucial role in advancing human health and well-being (University of Alaska Fairbanks, n.d.). Ensuring the safety of human research subjects is vital during studies and experiments (University of Alaska Fairbanks, n.d.). Ethical guidelines are established to prevent any unethical treatment or exploitation of study participants (University of Alaska Fairbanks, n.d.). Maintaining the integrity of necessary studies necessitates avoiding any abuse of human research subjects.

History and Importance of Human Subject Protection

The approach to protecting human subjects has evolved over the past century in response to unethical research practices (White, 2020). Historically, vulnerable groups such as children and inmates were frequently utilized as research subjects without informed consent or comprehension of the studies’ objectives (White, 2020). Two notable instances of research exploitation include the Tuskegee Experiment and experiments conducted in German concentration camps during World War II (White, 2020). The Tuskegee Experiment involved 399 syphilis patients and 201 uninfected controls who were denied informed consent and treatment (White, 2020). German concentration camps subjected captives to unethical medical procedures, resulting in harm, disease, and death (White, 2020).

Types of Research Activities Involving Human Subjects

According to the Health and Human Services Policy for Protection of Human Research Subjects, human subjects encompass individuals whose personal data and biological samples are investigated, examined, or evaluated by researchers (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2022). This definition also includes those whose private information or biospecimens are utilized in research (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2022). Human subject research comprises two main types: observational and interventional (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2022). Observational studies involve data collection without specific treatments, focusing on potential causes of diseases and their progression, while interventional studies alter biological or cognitive systems through participant or environmental changes (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2022).

Strategies to Minimize Risks to Research Participants

Throughout history, human research subjects have faced risks without adequate understanding or choice (White, 2020). To mitigate these risks, various strategies have been implemented. The Nuremberg trials, responding to unethical research in German concentration camps, led to the establishment of The Nuremberg Code, which outlines principles for human subject research (White, 2020). The Belmont Report, released in 1979, introduced principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, focusing on informed consent, risk assessment, and subject selection (CITI Program, n.d.) (White, 2020).

Ethical Standards in Research

Before the Belmont Report, the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research developed Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to oversee and review biomedical research involving humans (White, 2020). IRBs are authorized bodies that ensure compliance with federal and institutional standards, safeguarding participants’ rights and well-being (US Food and Drug Administration, 2019).

Protections for Vulnerable Populations

Federal regulations, including the Common Rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, provide protections for vulnerable populations in human research (US Department of Health & Human Services, 2020). These regulations include subparts that protect pregnant women, human fetuses, neonates, prisoners, and children (CITI Program, n.d.) (US Department of Health & Human Services, 2020).

Conclusion

The importance of human research cannot be overstated. By protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects, critical medical advancements are enabled while ensuring fair and respectful treatment of study participants. The history of human research ethics underscores the necessity for robust safeguards to protect the well-being of all individuals involved.

References

CITI Program. (n.d.). https://about.citiprogram.org/en/homepage/

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2022, June). Human subjects research overview. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/human-subjects-research

The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1978). The Belmont report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the commission for the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral research. http://www.videocast.nih.gov/pdf/ohrp_belmont_report.pdf

US Department of Health & Human Services. (2020, January 28). Principal regulations. Office for Human Research Protections. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education-and-outreach/about-research-participation/protecting-research-volunteers/principal-regulations/index.html