Workers as Research Subjects: A Vulnerable Population

Abstract

Workers should be considered as a vulnerable human subjects research population since they require special protections. The Code of Federal Regulations "Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research" does not offer adequate definition of this issue. Currently there is no formal ethical framework that addresses the unique vulnerability of workers (or former workers) who participate in research studies. This article addresses this concern and is based on a larger report published by the U.S. Department of Energy. Further, even though workers may be study subjects for legitimate political, social, and scientific reasons, meritorious science and adherence to the Common Rule must be the expectation.

Vulnerable populations and multicentred research

“…2007). Vulnerable persons are considered to be those less able to defend themselves (Rose & Pietri 2002). The vulnerability of people in palliative care (Gill 2006; Stienstra & Chochinov 2006) and in mental health (Copeland 2007) is discussed in the literature with regard to the need for special consideration by researchers.…”

Establishing and maintaining the clinical learning environment for nursing students: A qualitative study

“…Employees may be vulnerable research subjects; particular ethical concerns are risks of coercion, impacts from use of data, and breach of confidentiality (Rose and Pietri, 2002). Participants were ensured that the information shared during focus group discussions would not impact student placement or any participant's employment.…”

Ethical Regulations in Research

“…The ability to give informed consent may be compromised if the worker fears job loss or job restriction. 2 What are the risks for workers from the impact of study findings? These are peer pressure, the ability to obtain and retain a mortgage and health insurance, or genetics issues affecting family and future job opportunities, especially when the researcher has access to confidential records and biological samples.…”