2.3 Analyzing a Case
In activity 2.2, you saw why and how codes governing the ethical aspects of research were created. You also already know that the existence of such codes is not enough, and the integrity of researchers (i.e. their commitment to conduct research responsibly) is also essential. But the situation is even more complicated. Even if we have the codes at our disposal and even if we are committed to follow them, in individual cases it can still be difficult to decide what the correct procedure is. Read the following case. Would you approve this study?
Case: Testing the artificial blood
Currently ambulances can only carry a partial range of blood of the various blood types, potentially significantly delaying the treatment of critically injured and ill individuals until they can be transported to the hospital. A replacement for human blood has been developed by a pharmaceutical company and now needs to be tested in the field. This artificial blood is blood-type neutral and initial testing with healthy volunteers seems to have shown that it is well tolerated with minimal adverse reactions. The researchers now propose further testing of the artificial blood by equipping five local ambulances with the artificial blood to be used in emergency care situations.
In many situations it will not be possible to obtain consent from the patients to take part in the research because of the urgency of treatment and the fact that patients are often unconscious. The researchers argue that given the extensive laboratory testing the product has already undergone the best way to test the usefulness of the artificial blood is in a ‘real world’ test. Furthermore, they make the point that presently some people have to forego blood products until they reach the hospital in any case.
Source: European Textbook on Ethics in Research. Brussels: European Union, 2010.
Create a new post in the discussion forum stating (1) one reason why the intended study should be performed (2) and one argument against it. Would you approve this study?