Fragmented understanding: exploring the practice and meaning of informed consent in clinical trials in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Background The informed consent process in clinical trials has been extensively studied to inform the development processes which protect research participants and encourage their autonomy. However, ensuring a meaningful informed consent process is still of great concern in many research settings due to its complexity in practice and interwined socio-cultural factors. Objectives This study explored the practices and meaning of the informed consent process in two clinial trials conducted by Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in collaboration with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods We used multiple data collection methods including direct observervations, in-depth interviews with study physicians and trial participants, review of informed consent documents from 2009 to 2018, and participant observation with patients’ family members. We recruited seven physicians and twenty-five trial participants into the study, of whom five physicians and thirteen trial participants completed in-depth interviews, and we held twenty-two direct observation sessions. Results We use the concept “fragmented understanding” to describe the nuances of understanding about the consent process and unpack underlying reasons for differing understandings. Conclusions Our findings show how practices of informed consent and fragemented understanding are shaped by trial participants’ characteristics and the socio-cultural context in which the trials take place.

High Strength-Geopolymer Building Material

“…The method of turning alumino-silicate wastes into geopolymer concrete is based on the polymerization reaction of these wastes through alkaline activation with Na2SiO3 and NaOH solution. According to the literature [4], the polymerization reaction in an alkaline medium of minerals based on silica and alumina has as a result a three dimensional polymeric chain and ring structure consisting of Si-O-Al-O bonds. It should be mentioned that until now a clear mechanism regarding the setting and curing of the geopolymer concrete has not yet been accepted by researchers.…”

“…in geopolymer concrete manufacturing processes appeared relatively recently. In the last decade of the last millennium, Davidovits, J. discovered the method of activating these by-products and wastes through the polymerization reaction, obtaining high strength concretes [3,4]. Numerous works published in the last decade in the literature confirm this concern.…”

“…The molar concentration of NaOH (between 10-20 M) has a minor effect on the strength of geopolymer concrete. During the fresh concrete curing, the polymerization process takes place [4]. Increasing the process temperature, the polymerization becomes faster and the concrete gains about 70 % of its strength in 3-4 hours of curing.…”

Isolation and identification of bacteria with capability of starch, cellulose and protein decomposition from Frass of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae

“…Size and shape of bacteria cellular were observed by light microscopy. Gram of isolates were determined by the method as described by Nguyen et al, (2003) [12].…”