Aspects of disaster research ethics applicable to other contexts

Abstract

In his article 'The Ebola Clinical Trials: a precedent for research ethics in disasters', Philippe Calain constructs a compelling case as to why and how experiences from the recent Ebola epidemic should be used to develop a framework for disaster research ethics. In particular, Calain proposes a useful model for assessing whether or not an unproven intervention could be suitable for human use in a disaster context, and makes a powerful argument against the separation of patient care from research goals. In this commentary, I argue that the separation of patient care goals from research goals is also unhelpful in the context of other forms of participant disadvantage even when that disadvantage is less severe than an ongoing public health emergency. I contend that recognising that research in disadvantaged populations is an intervention that could and should aim to produce positive outcomes for participants, just as it should in disaster contexts, therefore seems a well-justified lesson that can be extrapolated from the experience of the Ebola epidemic.

Proposta de análise integrada de emergências em saúde pública por arboviroses: o caso do Zika vírus no Brasil

“…O setor saúde é especialmente demandado em emergências, e, dessa forma, deve estar preparado para atender à necessidade dos grupos que apresentam maiores vulnerabilidades sociais, físicas, ambientais e econômicas. É dever da comunidade científica aprender e propor medidas e estratégias de redução de risco não apenas para o futuro, mas também para populações presentemente afetadas 20 . A respeito de redução de risco, o que podemos dizer que aprendemos com a epidemia de Zika?…”

Proposal for integrated analysis of public health emergencies involving arboviruses: the case of the Zika virus in Brazil

“…It should be prepared to meet the needs of groups with increased social, physical, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities. It is the scientific community's duty to develop and propose risk-reduction measures and strategies, not only for the future, but also for currently affected populations 20 . What have we learned about risk reduction from the Zika epidemic?…”