Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training

Conclusion
In this case, Rory has learned a few important lessons about informed consent for research conducted abroad as part of a short-term research training experience in global health. The experience not only helped him better understand Dr. Hodari and the community in which he was working, but also enabled him to recognize that respecting individual autonomy through the informed consent process is not "one size fits all."

Indeed the informed consent process can take many forms: with individuals or individuals and their families; via written or oral means; or through pictures, among others. Although this case does not comprehensively cover all the complexities of informed consent in research abroad, it has helped introduce a few of its complexities.

When difficulties arise, trainees should engage with their advisors at sending and host institutions, as well as their research ethics committees, for more advice.

Please provide feedback on this case: Understanding Informed Consent for Research
Completing the brief survey will allow you to print a Certificate of Completion.

Additional Resources

The United States’ Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has recently launched a review of research conducted internationally. A report is expected in 2011 and will be accessible at: http://www.bioethics.gov. Accessed 31 May 2011.

Two major ethics bodies have issues comprehensive, though not exhaustive, reviews of ethical issues in international research (including informed consent). See:

National Bioethics Advisory Commission (2001). Ethical and Policy Issues in International Research: Clinical Trials in Developing Countries.

Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2002). The ethics of research related to healthcare in developing countries. Web. 31 May 2011.

Two more recent articles discussing the complexities of consent in international research are:

Krogstad D.J., Diop S., Diallo A., Mzayek F., Keating J., Koita O.A., Touré Y.T. Informed consent in international research: the rationale for different approaches. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010; 83(4):743-7.

Dawson L., Kass N.E. Views of US researchers about informed consent in international collaborative research. Soc Sci Med. 2005 61(6):1211-22.


Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training
Homepage About the Case Series Cases Developing Cultural Understanding Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Personal Safety Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Exceeding Level of Training Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Sustainable and Appropriate Benefits Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Addressing "Ancillary Benefits" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Recognizing Burdens Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Shifting Resources Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Telling the "Truth" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Selecting a Research Project Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Understanding Informed Consent for Research Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Additional Resources (pdf) Acknowledgements and Funding Contact Us	CASE 10: Understanding Informed Consent for Research Conclusion In this case, Rory has learned a few important lessons about informed consent for research conducted abroad as part of a short-term research training experience in global health. The experience not only helped him better understand Dr. Hodari and the community in which he was working, but also enabled him to recognize that respecting individual autonomy through the informed consent process is not "one size fits all." Indeed the informed consent process can take many forms: with individuals or individuals and their families; via written or oral means; or through pictures, among others. Although this case does not comprehensively cover all the complexities of informed consent in research abroad, it has helped introduce a few of its complexities. When difficulties arise, trainees should engage with their advisors at sending and host institutions, as well as their research ethics committees, for more advice. Please provide feedback on this case: Understanding Informed Consent for Research Completing the brief survey will allow you to print a Certificate of Completion. Additional Resources The United States’ Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has recently launched a review of research conducted internationally. A report is expected in 2011 and will be accessible at: http://www.bioethics.gov. Accessed 31 May 2011. Two major ethics bodies have issues comprehensive, though not exhaustive, reviews of ethical issues in international research (including informed consent). See: National Bioethics Advisory Commission (2001). Ethical and Policy Issues in International Research: Clinical Trials in Developing Countries. Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2002). The ethics of research related to healthcare in developing countries. Web. 31 May 2011. Two more recent articles discussing the complexities of consent in international research are: Krogstad D.J., Diop S., Diallo A., Mzayek F., Keating J., Koita O.A., Touré Y.T. Informed consent in international research: the rationale for different approaches. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010; 83(4):743-7. Dawson L., Kass N.E. Views of US researchers about informed consent in international collaborative research. Soc Sci Med. 2005 61(6):1211-22.