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. 2012 Jan;62(1):3-12.
doi: 10.4097/kjae.2012.62.1.3. Epub 2012 Jan 25.

Institutional review board (IRB) and ethical issues in clinical research

Won Oak Kim  1
Affiliations

Institutional review board (IRB) and ethical issues in clinical research

Won Oak Kim. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2012 Jan.

Abstract

Clinical research has expanded tremendously in the past few decades and consequently there has been growing interest in the ethical guidelines that are being followed for the protection of human subjects. This review summarizes historical scandals and social responses chronologically from World War II to the Death of Ellen Roche (2001) to emphasize the lessons we must learn from history. International ethical guidelines for studies with human subjects are also briefly described in order to understand the circumstances of clinical research. The tasks and responsibilities of the institutions and investigators in human subject research to preserve the safety and welfare of research subjects are summarized. Next, several debated ethical issues and insights are arranged as controversial topics. This brief review and summary seeks to highlight important arguments and make suggestions to institutional review boards (IRBs) to contribute to the future evolution of ethics in clinical research as we advance forward.

Keywords: Ethics; Human; Institutional review board; Research.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Chronicle of scandals and responses are presented.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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