which of the following is an example of how the principle of beneficence is applied to a study involving human subjects?
which of the following is an example of how the principle of beneficence is applied to a study involving human subjects?
Answer: The principle of beneficence in research involving human subjects is the ethical obligation to maximize potential benefits while minimizing potential harm or risks to participants. Here is an example of how the principle of beneficence is applied in a research study:
Example: In a clinical trial for a new medication to treat a medical condition, researchers take several steps to apply the principle of beneficence:
-
Informed Consent: Researchers ensure that participants provide informed consent, which means they are fully aware of the study’s purpose, potential risks, and potential benefits. Participants are given detailed information about the medication, its potential side effects, and the likelihood of improvement in their condition. This empowers participants to make an informed decision about their participation.
-
Randomized Control Group: To maximize the benefits and minimize risks, the study includes a control group that receives a placebo (a harmless substance) instead of the actual medication. This design allows researchers to compare the medication’s effectiveness against a baseline and ensures that participants are not exposed to unnecessary harm if the medication proves ineffective or harmful.
-
Monitoring and Safety: Throughout the study, researchers closely monitor participants’ health and any adverse effects. They have protocols in place to ensure that if participants experience adverse reactions or if the medication proves to be harmful, the study can be terminated to protect the well-being of participants.
-
Ethical Review: The study undergoes ethical review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee to ensure that the research design and protocols align with the principle of beneficence. The IRB assesses whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks and whether the study is conducted ethically.
-
Continual Assessment: Researchers continually assess the study’s results to determine if the medication is effective and safe. If it becomes clear that the medication provides significant benefits, the study may be modified to provide access to the treatment for all participants.
This example illustrates how the principle of beneficence is applied in research to protect the well-being of human subjects, maximize potential benefits, and minimize potential harm or risks. Researchers must always balance the pursuit of knowledge with the ethical responsibility to prioritize the welfare of study participants.