A balance between human subject protection and scientific development should constantly be maintained. Behir (2020) emphasizes that human subjects’ biomedical research necessitates adherence to ethical norms and guidelines. For instance, human subject research ethically uses a systematic framework of seven general principles (Behir, 2020). The components include social value, scientific validity, fair subject selection, favorable risk-benefit ratio, informed consent, independent evaluation, and respect for human subjects. The submitted research and anticipated findings should increase laboratory medicine expertise. Scientific validity requires that the examination be methodologically sound and have specific scientific goals and objectives. It should be free of bias, reduce confounders, and employ appropriate analytical techniques.
The selection of enrolled subjects should be fair to meet the distributive justice concept. A favorable risk-benefit ratio ensures a proper balance and reflects the moral ideals of beneficence and nonmaleficence (Behir, 2020). The ethical idea of respect for individuals and autonomy is applied through informed consent. Individuals must be educated about the following topics to provide informed consent: the objective of the study, the anticipated risks, the potential benefits, participant confidentiality, and any compensation for injuries, if applicable (Behir, 2020). The inclusion of a layperson or a public representative improves review independence. Finally, allowing subjects to withdraw and change their minds throughout the study is critical to obtaining autonomy and ensuring subjects’ well-being is continually respected. Davita Dialysis does not have an ethics committee; the company has a corporate governance code of ethics and code of conduct. The board committees include Audit, Compensation, Compliance & Quality, and Nominating and Governance (About, n.d.). The codes’ guidance is designed to protect patients, although there is no mention of human subject protection. Thus, the company should create an ethics committee to ensure compliance with moral standards that support research subjects’ autonomy, integrity, and well-being and the validity and reliability of research findings.
References
Beshir, L. (2020). Research ethics committees in laboratory medicine. EJIFCC, 31(4), 282-291. Web.
About us. (n.d.). Davita. Web.