IRB and Ethics

I enjoyed our class discussion on the IRB a few classes ago. It is amazing how new these standards for research really are. I always thought that harmful research had generally ended with the Nazis. I was shocked to hear about the research on syphilis and the deception of those involved. What really disgusted me was the compliance of the government agencies. Learning about the history of the IRB made writing my IRB much more meaningful. I was no longer annoyed at the length and stipulations, but grateful that research is evaluated so that risk is minimized. 

I recently read an blog post on an Indian doctor's blog that somewhat criticized the obsession with ethics and the IRB. He told the story of a doctor who encountered a medical problem he was not qualified to diagnose. Using social media he was able to collaborate with a specialist in another country to diagnose and treat the man who would not have been able to be treated or diagnosed otherwise. He sent the information in a secure manner, and exercised caution. After the treatment, the specialist and another doctor involved suggested that they together write up the experience and submit it to a medical journal to extol the benefits of using social media. The journal was immensely interested, but did not publish the article since the doctor was unable to locate the man he had treated. He tried to explain that he was from a tiny rural village very far away and despite his efforts he could not find him. They were too concerned with what the blogger referred to as "red bureaucratic tape" and the possibility of a lawsuit to publish a very enlightening piece. He expressed frustration that these well intended regulations are often harmful to the scientific community. It was interesting to hear his perspective. While it may have been harmless was not conducted as research, but more as a kind of after the fact case study I see the journal's concerns. Unfortunately there are those that without these precautions would conduct harmful research. Until we reach the point where these rules are no longer necessary, we will have to put up with the inconvenience of the IRB. If nothing else, it brings the possible repercussions of your research to your attention and makes you exercise caution.

Oh and enjoy the pretty picture of henna.....