Research is important when inquiring about something, whether a human being, animal, event, or a phenomenon. Human subject research is an existing individual from whom an examiner obtains information. Therefore, all healthcare professionals must know the personal rights and protections not to violate them. This paper describes the circumstances that influence the need to protect the subjects, especially the vulnerable populations, and ways in which researchers can harm professionals. The essay further, summarizes the ethical principles and guidelines for research and shows the importance of knowing about these rights.
Research Standards and Guidelines
When conducting the research, certain standards and guidelines are followed including respect for people, liberality, and fairness, as demonstrated below. The principle of respect for persons is usually taken to represent autonomy, consent, and personal choice (Friesen et al., 2017). This value expresses two ideas; individuals should be treated as sovereign agents, and those with less autonomy should be given extra attention. An autonomous person is one who can make judgments according to their own beliefs and values. Therefore, respecting their choices without going against them is critical while on the field. A diminished autonomy refers to people who are less vulnerable because of either mental illness or other conditions. Investigators should handle such persons with care since they are delicate.
Beneficence is an act of mercy, kindness, and charity with a strong intention of doing good to others. Professionals should possess this quality to be able to interact with the humane. Justice is another principle and divided into personal and social justice (Friesen et al., 2017). Individual justice calls for fair treatment of all patients without favoring others. Social justice takes into consideration race, status, and various institutions where they come from. Although these principles are considered equal, the most important one is respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. For one to socialize with a stranger, the first impression matters greatly. It is critical to showing respect and treat people according to their state and then finally build a rapport with them. Being just arouses their interest and hence provide the required information
The concept of vulnerability is also an important aspect of research. They include pregnant women, young children, and prisoners (Bracken-Roche et al., 2017). Research on expectant mothers may include themselves, the fetus, or both. Possible reasons for terminating pregnancies and the risks they can get from such acts are investigated. Thus, parents’ permission must be guaranteed for the children to take part in research; this is for confidentiality as they may expose hidden secrets. The prisoners necessitate protection in the research as they may be under strict rules. Their living conditions, access to health care services, and relationship with their family are investigated. The requirements are adequate as they ensure they are protected and not discriminated against in any way.
Risks Involved and the Importance of Knowing and Adhering to Personal Rights
Various risks can occur to researchers while in the field including social, economic, and legal, minimal, psychological, and physiological. Physically, these scientists can be injured or experience certain pain or complication. Furthermore, their social reputation might be ruined as they interrogate on various issues and ask questions. Psychological risks like sadness and emotional distress are likely to be experienced too (Friesen et al., 2017). Economically, they may lack adequate finances required for the project.
Knowledge about these rights and protections is important in various ways. It enables the protection of human rights and it enables fair and equal treatment of people; hence peaceful and harmony are promoted (White, 2020). The vulnerable in the society are protected and taken care of. The culture is preserved, and the interest of individuals are respected and protected (NIH, 2018). Above all, the professionals can provide quality care to patients and develop a friendly interaction promoting efficiency in their discipline.
References
Bracken-Roche, D., Bell, E., Macdonald, M. E., & Racine, E. (2017). The concept of ‘vulnerability ‘in research ethics: an in-depth analysis of policies and guidelines. Health Research Policy and Systems, 15(1), 1-18. Web.
Friesen, P., Kearns, L., Redman, B., & Caplan, A. L. (2017). Rethinking the Belmont report. The American Journal of Bioethics, 17(7), 15-21. Web.
NIH, (2018). Protecting human research participants. NIH Office of Extramural Research. Web.
White, M. G. (2020). Why human subjects research protection is important. Ochsner Journal, 20(1), 16-33. Web.