Should Society Allow Research Ethics Boards to Be Run As For-Profit Enterprises?
Author Information
Author(s): Trudo Lemmens, Carl Elliott
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
For-profit research ethics boards create a conflict of interest that is dangerous under weak regulatory systems.
Conclusion
The authors argue that for-profit research ethics boards pose significant risks due to conflicts of interest and lack of regulatory oversight.
Supporting Evidence
- For-profit research ethics boards have a client-provider relationship with study sponsors, leading to conflicts of interest.
- Examples of serious controversies highlight flaws in the current system of research ethics review.
- Even well-regarded boards like WIRB have faced significant issues, raising concerns about their power and influence.
Takeaway
The study says that when companies run research ethics boards for profit, it can lead to problems because they might not put people's safety first.
Methodology
The authors discuss various examples and controversies related to for-profit research ethics boards.
Potential Biases
The authors highlight potential biases due to the client-provider relationship between ethics boards and study sponsors.
Limitations
Much information about for-profit research ethics boards remains hidden due to corporate secrecy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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