Transcript Ethics: The Challenges in International Research

Ethics: The Challenges in
International Research
Prof Wendy Moyle, Deputy Director
RCCCPI, Griffith University
Asia-Pacific Research Symposium, Gold Coast Campus
1st-2nd July 2008
International Research
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International research involving human beings
must meet two ethical tests:
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The research must meet international ethical
standards for the protection of human participants –
respect for persons, beneficence, justice, respect for
community, contextual caring.
Must meet ethical standards relevant in the
institutional setting and cultural environment in
which the research takes place
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Olsen, DP (2003). Ethical considerations in international nursing research: a
report from the international centre for nursing ethics, Nursing Ethics, 10,
122-137
Some challenges to consider
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Debate as to whether ethics are universal
Researchers must be able to understand each other – understand
personal & cultural differences
Need to balance ethical principles with practical & local conditions while
paying attention to questions of cultural competence
High level of respect: foreigners and some professions may be perceived
as powerful – potential conflicts & ethical challenges
Ethics review that might not be as prescribed by Helsinki Declaration
Informed consent protocols are not necessarily transferable across
cultural, national or ethnic groups
Recruitment criteria may not always be comparable across countries e.g.
older people
Instruments – some instruments have not been developed & validated for
other cultures
Any intervention if successful must be affordable & practical in the local
milieu
May need to consider use of alternatives to informed consent: remains a
difficult issue for western people to confront
Confidentiality – who will collect & retain the data?
Privacy laws – different international laws
Ethics approval – from all universities involved – who will take lead?
Scientific journals for international community are in English - Availability
of scientific journals/literature?
Ethical Multiculturalism – balance,
preservation, dignity, value
Harper, MG. (2006). Ethical multiculturalism. An evolutionary concept analysis, Advances in Nursing Science,
29, 110-124
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Moral reasoning – consideration of all relevant
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Respect for persons and communities –
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aspects of the case in its context
Respect provides a mechanism to prevent action from
being taken against the individual’s wishes
Cultural competence –to effectively work within
the cultural context of a client. Recognises and
adheres to laws and regulations, attitudes and mores
Beneficience/nonmaleficence – recognition
that traditions and customs which govern and
influence people’s behaviour may be harmful to
individuals. Research in every cultural setting must
have the potential to do good and prevent harm.
Cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural
sensitivity, cultural encounters, cultural skill,
knowledge ethical principles – these antecedents
address various ethical concerns.