Ethics in Research and Informed Consent

Ethics in Research

• Benefits of research must outweigh risks
• Inform respondents about research objectives and methods, and how they'll learn the findings
• Conduct and document risk analysis with supervisor
• Guarantee confidentiality of participants and data
• Participants should benefit from research and be able to make informed judgments
• Clearly explain research purpose and expectations to participants
• Avoid topics that could trigger distress in specific groups
• Be mindful of research fatigue and frustration
• Seek guidance when needed

Informed Consent

• Informed consent should allow participants to understand the research purpose
• Participants need all questions answered and doubts addressed and the ability to withdraw
• Minimize power differences in the consent process
• Ensure participants have the capacity to give informed consent

Information for Clients

• Include details of who is collecting data and conducting research
• Detail the study's purpose
• Identify activities participants will be involved in (e.g., interviews, focus groups, surveys)
• Specify how data will be collected (e.g., audio/video recordings, surveys)
• Explain how the data will be stored and shared
• Describe how the research findings will be used (e.g., policy, media, academic publications)
• Explain confidentiality and anonymity protocols, including when confidentiality may need to be breached
• Include instructions on how to withdraw from the research, complain, or express concerns

Informed Consent (Continued)

• Participants are free to give consent and withdraw at any time
• Consent must be voluntary; no pressure or coercion should be applied; no rewards in exchange
• Pay particular attention when researching vulnerable groups (e.g., children, individuals with disabilities, prisoners)

Confidentiality & Anonymity

• Limit access to raw data and findings to only the research team and authorized personnel
• Store data on approved platforms or servers (excluding file-sharing platforms and unencrypted devices like USBs)
• If using audio recordings, use encrypted devices
• When sharing findings, anonymize or pseudonymize them
• Separate data from personal information
• Restrict sharing of combinations of information that could identify individuals
• Omit any personal or identifying information
• Consider what other information might link participants to the research

Limits to Confidentiality

• Follow duty of care and raise warnings through safeguarding or whistleblowing mechanisms if appropriate
• Honor other legal obligations or matters of public interest
• Be aware of situations where details might make subjects identifiable despite anonymization (e.g., highly specialized interviews)
• Explain circumstances when confidentiality might need to be breached and obtain participant agreement during informed consent

Limits to Confidentiality (Continued)

• Assess the risk and harm of reporting before informing participants
• Participant consultation and consent are necessary before any reporting related to confidentiality breaches is initiated
• Reporting might be done anonymously, and participants have the right to refuse to participate in reporting

BPS Code of Ethics

• Recognize the dignity of all individuals, regardless of social status, ethnicity, gender, capacities or other group-based characteristics
• Show sensitivity to perceived authority or influence
• Respect human rights

Respect Considerations

• Prioritize privacy and confidentiality
• Respect communities and shared values
• Consider impacts on the broader environment
• Address power issues
• Understand consent processes
• Practice self-discrimination
• Provide compassionate care (empathy, sympathy, generosity, openness, tolerance, commitment, courage)

Competence

• Provide services to the fullest professional standard
• Avoid providing services outside your areas of knowledge, scope of practice, education, background, training, or experience
• Maintain a commitment to ongoing development and education
• Maintain high professional standards

Competence Considerations

• Possess appropriate skills needed to serve various people
• Be aware of the limits of your competence and, when appropriate, refer individuals to other professionals
• Remain aware of advances in the evidence base
• Continue to maintain technical skills and practical applications
• Be aware of ethical aspects in professional practice
• Be aware of your own competence limitations and mitigating any necessary actions
• Be cautious while claiming knowledge

Responsibility

• Accept responsibility for actions within your power, control, or management
• Ensure others' trust is not abused in relation to power influence
• Maintain a predominant responsibility towards others
• Avoid causing harm and prevent misuse or abuse in society

Responsibility Considerations

• Practice professional accountability
• Use knowledge and skills appropriately
• Respect the welfare of individuals, non-humans, and the wider environment
• Understand potentially competing duties

Integrity

• Be honest, truthful, accurate and consistent in actions, words, decisions, methods and outcomes
• Set aside personal interests to be objective and open to challenge in professional context
• Prioritize honesty, accuracy, clarity and fairness in interactions
• Promote integrity in all scientific and professional endeavors

Integrity Considerations

• Demonstrate honesty, openness and candour
• Remain accurate and unbiased
• Treat all individuals fairly
• Avoid exploitation and conflicts of interest, including self-interest
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Address any misconduct

HCPC Standards

• Treat service users with dignity, respecting their privacy
• Involve users in decision making
• Obtain informed consent
• Respect equality and challenge discrimination, remaining aware of potential bias
• Maintain professional boundaries

Communicating Appropriately & Effectively

• Be polite and considerate
• Listen and provide information or answers
• Use social media appropriately
• Develop networks with other professionals

Working Within Knowledge & Skills

• Refer if lacking skills or competence in an area
• Develop knowledge and skills
• Keep current with specialty area
• Stay informed of laws and news that affect clients
• Seek feedback and improve services
• Delegate to competent professionals

Respecting Confidentiality & Managing Risk

• Disclose only with permission, in user's best interest, and if legally allowed
• Take actions to reduce risk of harm
• Preserve physical and mental well-being so capacity isn't compromised

Reporting Safety Concerns

• Obtain consent when appropriate
• Breach confidentiality only when necessary for safety, particularly for vulnerable adults and children
• Follow up on reported concerns
• Act on reported concerns, within your scope, and refer to others outside of your scope as needed

Keeping Records of Work

• Maintain accurate, clear, and comprehensive records of sessions
• Protect records and store securely
• Have backup copies of data in case of loss

This quiz covers essential principles of ethics in research, focusing on informed consent and participant confidentiality. Explore the responsibilities of researchers to ensure risks do not outweigh benefits and that participants are fully informed. Test your knowledge on the ethical obligations researchers must adhere to when conducting studies.