After completing all of the ethics assignments for this course, my assumptions regarding research ethics have not necessarily changed but have been expanded upon. Part of this course requires completion of basic research courses regarding social and behavioral responsibilities of those individuals involved with the research investigation. These focused on the importance of patient safety, patient advocacy, and protecting clients’ rights. When executing research, the nurse’s main priority should be the patient and his or her safety. Yoder (2006) examines the institutions put into place to ensure the protection of human research subjects. Institutional Review Boards (IRB) are an institutional practice that focus on ensuring the protection of the research subjects’ welfare and rights. Other regulations imposed in research to ensure the safety of subjects include the Nuremberg Code, which requires that all potential participants consent to treatment and confirm that they have been appropriately informed of all possible risks and benefits with regards to the research (Yoder, 2006). The IRB and informed consent are two important safeguards in research to assure the safety and autonomy of the participants.
Unfortunately, such practices have not always been in place to ensure the research conducted is ethical. Miss Evers’ Boys is a heart wrenching film that depicts the story of the Tuskegee experiment that began in 1932. This was a medical experiment conducted by the U.S. Federal Government to further research the serious complications that arise due to untreated syphilis. This study utilized African American male subjects who, unbeknownst to them, were receiving placebo medications. These subjects were informed that they were receiving free treatment for their disease and even when there was a known cure for the disease, they were still unable to be treated (Sargent, 1997). While this was a difficult film to watch, I believe it is an important learning experience for all future nurses because it demonstrates the importance of ethical research and why institutional regulations are enforced in research practices.
Research investigation plays a major role in the nursing profession, especially in evidence based and quality improvement initiatives. It is important that the nurse understand and recognize the importance of the ethical conduct of research. While I initially understood the significance of ethical research, completion of this course has furthered my knowledge of how to conduct ethical research by ensuring patient safety and autonomy. I look forward to further apply this knowledge in research as a nurse.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) Tuskegee Study Timeline. http://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm
Miss Evers’ Boys 1997r TV Eng spa. Posted by pain666kill1,” n.d. Miss Evers’ Boys 1997r TV Eng spa – YouTube
Yoder, L.H. (2006). The basics of human subjects protection, MEDSURG Nursing, 15(2), 95-99.
