The epidemiologist's responsibilities to study participants

Abstract

Epidemiologists and health survey statisticians must be aware of their many responsibilities to study participants during all phases of the investigation. Safeguards for the subject's welfare and privacy must be considered during the planning of the study, recruitment of participants, conducting the interviews or examinations, maintaining the records, and analyzing and disseminating the information. In order to achieve maximum participation and candor of study respondents, the importance and purposes of the study and the safeguards for protecting the respondents' privacy and minimizing risks must be clearly explained. All staff must be carefully trained as to their responsibilities for protecting the privacy and safety for the participants. Adherence to these principles will promote the collection and dissemination of quality data while minimizing the risks and burdens to study participants.