Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 106
Research using ‘surplus or extra tissue’ with consent (e.g. further blood taken at
time of routine sampling, tissue taken during a ‘clinically directed’ procedure or
non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure in non-vulnerable groups).
Questionnaire research that does NOT include highly sensitive areas or where
accidental disclosure would NOT have serious consequence (sensitive
questionnaires which are validated for use in the proposed population and used
by experienced practitioners are acceptable for PR);
Research interview / focus group that does not include highly sensitive areas or
where accidental disclosure would NOT have serious consequence.
Research surveying the safety or efficacy of established non-drug treatments,
involving limited intervention and NO change to the patient’s treatment.
Minimally invasive basic science studies involving healthy volunteers or patients
(e.g. which involve the taking of a single blood sample or other similar minimally
invasive intervention).
Studies which do not fit categories 1-7 but do not have any ‘material
ethical issues’.
5.58. Other factors may also be considered such as:
The likelihood of the research procedures throwing up incidental findings of
clinical importance.
The research procedures when considered together are overly arduous and/or
burdensome. The vulnerability of the participant group at the time of approach
to participate. For example, military recruits in training.
The inclusion of genetic testing which could have wider implications for the
participant.
The overall sensitivity of the application and topics being covered combined
with the potential for participant distress.
Ethics in publication
5.59. It is important that the findings of high-quality research are
disseminated widely and particularly in occupational health where the evidence
base for practice is relatively weak. Care must be taken to avoid publication bias
(the tendency for non-publication of results that are negative, or which are not
in keeping with established paradigms) and to seek balanced publication by
including negative or unusual findings and not exaggerating positive findings.
Page | 105
