Ethics of Ancillary Care in Clinical Trials in Low Income Countries: A Nigerian Case Study
Abstract
The ethical conduct of HIV prevention researchers is subject to scrutiny. Many clinical trials take place in low and middle income countries where HIV incidence is high, but the benefits of research are often first enjoyed in high income countries. The provision of ancillary care – medical care provided to clinical trial participants during a trial, which is not related to the research question – is one way in which trial participants can receive direct benefits from their participation in research. We argue that such care is a legitimate benefit of research participation. This care does not constitute ‘undue inducement’ if the research study itself involves minimal risk and is subject to ethical and regulatory oversight. We also argue that research teams working with populations who have sub-optimal healthcare access have a duty to provide ancillary care within agreed limits. These limits should be negotiated to ensure that the research remains feasible and economically viable. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 135-142)
Keywords: Ancillary care; ethics, HIV prevention, undue inducement
Résumé
La conduite éthique des chercheurs dans le domaine de la prévention du VIH est soumise au contrôle. De nombreux essais cliniques ont lieu dans les pays à faible et moyen revenu où l'incidence du VIH est élevée, mais les avantages de la recherche sont souvent d'abord appréciés dans les pays à revenu élevé. La prestation de soins auxiliaires – les soins médicaux fournis aux participants des essais cliniques au cours d'un procès, qui n'est pas liée à la question de la recherche - est une façon pour les participants à l'essai de recevoir des prestations directes pour leur participation à la recherche. Nous soutenons que ces soins constituent un bénéfice légitime de participation à la recherche. Ce soin ne constitue pas «une incitation indue» si l'étude ellemême implique un risque minimal et elle est soumise à la surveillance éthique et réglementaire. Nous soutenons également qu’il incombe aux équipes de recherche qui travaillent avec les populations qui ont accès à des soins de santé sous-optimal de leur fournir des soins auxiliaires dans les limites convenues. Ces limites doivent être négociées pour s'assurer que la recherche demeure réalisable et économiquement viable. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 135-142)
Mots-clés: Soins auxiliaires, éthique, prévention du VIH, incitations indues
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