The Ethics of Medical Research on Humans

by Claire Foster

Overview

One of the most difficult problems confronting clinicians and medical professionals today is the application of ethical principles to real decisions affecting patients. In this even-handed book, Clare Foster examines the three main approaches to moral decision-making: goal-based, duty-based, and rights-based. She discusses the underlying philosophical arguments behind each approach, examines their relative strengths and weaknesses, and indicates how they can actually be applied. Is it ethical to experiment with new cures on people who are probably dying? How do you assess quality of consent? This book provides a thorough, nonpartisan grounding in what the ethical principles are and what informs them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521641968
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/13/2001
Pages:	174
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.33(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword David Weatherall; 1. An introduction to the ethical issues; Part I. Goal-based Morality: Scientific Rigour in Research: 2. The foundations of goal-based thinking; 3. The application of goal-based thinking: the goals of research; 4. Methods of research; 5. Disseminating the results of research; Part II. Duty-based Morality: Acting in the Research Subjects' Best Interests: 6. The foundations of duty-based thinking; 7. The application of duty-based thinking: therapeutic research; 8. Non-therapeutic research; Part III. Right-based Morality: Respecting the Autonomy of Research Subjects: 9. The foundations of right-based thinking: definition and validity; 10. The application of right-based thinking: the consent procedure; 11. Confidentiality; Part IV. From Principles to Practice: Introduction: Part V. Case Studies of Goal-based Issues: Introduction: 12. Goals of research; 13. Methods of research; 14. Dissemination of the results of research; Part VI. Case Studies of Duty-based Issues: Introduction: 15. Therapeutic research; 16. Non-therapeutic research; Part VII. Case Studies of Right-based Issues: Introduction: 17. Consent; 18. Confidentiality; Part VIII. A Framework for Ethical Review, Researchers, Research Ethics Committees, and Moral Responsibility: Introduction: 19. The three approaches combined; 20. A framework to assist ethical review; 21. Resolving conflicts between the three approaches; 22. When the three approaches fail; 23. Research ethics committees; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This is an excellent book that clearly benefits from the expertise of its author...beautifully written in a cohesive, open, inclusive and accessible style...an invaluable resource." Nursing Ethics

"Foster's wide base of ethics, philosophy and religion are all called into play in this book, making it compelling reading for anyone who thinks deeply about the research they are undertaking.... to read this book was illuminating and frankly inspirational.... Any book that makes me stop in my reading, read a section again, then look into the middle distance in deep analytical thought as this one did must be good for the ageing little grey cells. I recommend it." Pharmaceutical Physician

"This book is beautifully written. The language is lucid, ambiguous, direct and unaffecting. The reader cannot avoid being repeatedly simulated and made to question assumptions and prejudices." Family Practice

"The case studies provide a useful training tool ... it is invaluable." Modern Law Review

From the Publisher