NCJ Number
116218
Journal
New England Journal of Public Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter/Spring 1988) Pages: 215-225
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article addresses ethical concerns regarding the time frame of research related to AIDS, regarding drug and antibody testing, regarding vaccine trials, and regarding questions of justice in the allocation of resources, as well as the unique problems related to informed consent and confidentiality in AIDS research.
Abstract
Emphasis is also placed on the need for a careful balancing of individual welfare and rights with those of society. The discussion concludes that the ethical and society concerns about AIDS research which are raised by the relationship between research findings, available clinical treatments, and public health policy actions call for a national assessment of medical research priorities and intermediate goals for AIDS research. Assessments must then lead to directing research funds in accordance with the national research agenda in the most cost-efficient manner. Such a public policy could be cooperatively addressed by private researchers and institutions and public agencies and officials. Professionals also need to recognize and understand the possible alternative approaches to the resolution of the practical and moral dilemmas. At the local level, Institutional Review Boards established under regulations of the United States Department of Health and Human Services can serve as forums for the initiations of discussions on AIDS research. These boards have had ample experience in dealing with the substantive issues of consent, confidentiality, the balancing of risks and benefits, and the proper selection of populations for research. 13 reference notes. (Author abstract modified)