Bioethics
Clearly, scientific investigation has extended and enhanced the quality of life and increased our understanding of ourselves, our relationships with others, and the natural world. It is one of the foundations of our society's material, intellectual, and social progress. For many citizens, scientific discoveries have alleviated the suffering caused by disease or disability. Nonetheless, the prospect of gaining such valuable scientific knowledge need not and should not be pursued at the expense of human rights or human dignity.
National Bioethics Advisory Commission, 2001
Surrogate Consent Research
With colleagues from other academic and research institutions, we plan to study some of the ethical, legal and social issues pertaining to the use of surrogate consent (or "legally authorized representatives") in research. Our particular focus involves research involving critical care patients who may lack decision-making capacity. More about our research interests . . .
In advance of our work and to assist others with interest or needs in this important area, we provide select resources pertaining to surrogate consent for research. Check out these resources at our separate Surrogate Consent for Research Resources web page.
Learn more about some of the other challenges of public involvement in clinical research by clicking on the display below! (free from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences)