Introduction
All professional disciplines utilize or adhere to developed and published codes or guidelines to ensure that acceptable standards of ethical practice are observed. A code of ethics governs everyday work and solves complex problems. In research, the ethical guidelines ensure that the study is conducted rigorously and the information is not misrepresented. It also holds researchers accountable to the public by ensuring that they identify and minimize potential harm to participants.
History of Ethical Code and Violations
Various ethical violations and experiments that harmed human subjects contributed to the creation of ethical research codes. For instance, the dehumanizing Nazi experiments in concentration camps and the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment in the U.S. directly impacted biomedical research ethical guidelines. While the development of codes of ethics has been a lengthy and demanding process, the struggle was worthwhile, as biomedical research is now safer for participants compared to the years before.
Importance of Ethics in Biomedical Research
Learning the history of research ethics has significantly impacted my perception of biomedical research. I have come to understand that the primary purpose of biomedical research is to provide scientific knowledge. However, I realized that real people are involved as subjects in the quest to gather data. The participating individuals are more important than the data they acquire. Therefore, as much as scientific knowledge is necessary, the research should be conducted to prevent harm to the participants, preserve their autonomy, and respect their rights.
The subjects should sign the informed consent form, understand their role in the experiment, and be aware that they are being monitored (Department of Health, 1979). Informed consent is a key component of the Belmont Report, which outlines the principles researchers should follow when approaching, notifying, and obtaining consent from participants (Department of Health, 1979). It highlights the essential steps scientists must follow to acquire the subjects’ consent. Therefore, the history of research has made me appreciate the efforts experts have made so far in ensuring that ethical principles are published and adhered to during research.
Ethical Regulations in Human Research
I am convinced that contemporary scientists sufficiently safeguard the rights of human participants. I firmly believe so, as numerous laws and codes govern the rights of human subjects. Firstly, the Nuremberg Code, formulated more than fifty years ago in Germany, is a crucial guideline for research (Telford, 1949). It protects human participants from torturous and murderous experiments.
Secondly, the Tuskegee report addresses essential research issues, including informed consent, unfair participant selection, racism, maleficence, harm, and the importance of truth-telling. It emphasizes the importance of ethical medical behavior in research that respects human rights (Butler, 1973).
Thirdly, the Belmont Report outlines three crucial principles regarding ethical concerns regarding human subjects (Department of Health, 1979). The three elements are: respect for persons, beneficence (the principle of not harming), and justice. The principles of the Belmont Report aim to promote positive behaviors in biomedical research. It is also important to note that Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) must evaluate and approve any research involving human subjects (Department of Health, 1979). That reduces the chance of rogue and malicious scientists conducting unwarranted and harmful studies.
Conclusion
Overall, learning about the history of research ethics revealed harrowing information regarding inhumane experiments. These studies raised public concern, leading to the creation of ethical guidelines to prevent the use of human subjects. Among the notable ethical principles are the Nuremberg Code, Tuskegee Report, and Belmont Report. Through these guidelines, biomedical research is now governed by the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Researchers must also provide the participants with informed consent and truthful information about their roles in the study. Therefore, biomedical research today poses fewer risks to participants than it did in the past.
References
Butler, B. (1973). The final report of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Ad Hoc Advisory Panel. Southern Illinois University of Medicine Library Springfield, Illinois. Web.
Department of Health. (1979). The Belmont Report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Web.
Telford, T. (1949). Final report to the Secretary of the Army on the Nuernberg war crimes trials under control council law no. 10. United States Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. Web.