Manual for research ethics committees : Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, King's College London

A unique, single-volume compilation of the key legal and ethical guidelines with specially-written chapters on major topics in bioethics. Doody Review Services Reviewer: Wendy B. Kaiser, BSN(Medical College of Wisconsin) Description: ?Manual for Research Ethics Committees? is an excellent guidebook for both ethics committee members and researchers alike, particularly those in the United Kingdom. Last published in 1997, this edition includes current research hot topics such as genetic research, protecting personal health information, and student research. Purpose: Editor Sue Eckstein outlines three goals for this edition: to assist research ethics committees in carrying out their duties in light of the new primary role of ethical review in research; to provide up-to-date information on both old and new research topics; and to present it all in a more user friendly format. In light of the dynamic environment which exists in human research this is a timely publication. Information is presented in two parallel parts and this arrangement makes it very accessible to users. Audience: The authors and editorial committee comprise an impressive listing of human studies experts. The book states it is written for research ethics committee members, human studies researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, and "students of law, medicine, ethics and philosophy." Clearly the first two groups will directly benefit from this book as the content speaks to the heart of their activities. The latter two groups can also profit from this manual, although less so since research ethics are addressed from the standpoint of those reviewing and conducting the research. It is nonetheless a useful resource. Features: The book opens with a brief although adequate overview of the history behind research ethics; this is essential to any human studies reference book. Both longstanding and contemporary human research issues are presented. Complete chapters are dedicated to topics of increasing interest such as cloning and genetic research, preventing research misconduct, the ethics of student participants, and use and disclosure of medical information. Also included are the latest international and national legislation and guidelines regarding these issues including European Union Clinical Directive 2001 and the Data Protection Act, 1998, May 2002. This book also provides noteworthy tools for readers to access the most current information regarding human research. Up-to-date website references and suggested readings are sited both within and at the end of each chapter and section. There is one noticeable flaw: many chapters use the now outmoded term subject as opposed to participant. This error is significant not only because of the increasing public awareness of research misconduct but also because the opening chapter contains a section that specifically discusses this very issue. Humans involved in research are not just objects of scientific curiosity, but participants with autonomy and rights. Assessment: This is a well-written guidebook for research ethics committees and researchers in the U.K. It also serves as a valuable resource for those more peripheral to human studies such as students of philosophy and ethics. For U.S. researchers and review boards, it is a worthwhile companion to more nationally focused texts such as Amdur's Institutional Review Board: Management and Function (Jones & Bartlett, 2002). Given the new content and user-friendly format, the eighth edition of this book is a practical and beneficial revision. The sixth edition of the Manual for Research Ethics Committees was first published in 2003, and is a unique compilation of legal and ethical guidance which will prove useful for members of research ethics committees, researchers involved in research with humans, members of the pharmaceutical industry and students of law, medicine, ethics and philosophy. Presented in a clear and authoritative form, it incorporates the key legal and ethical guidelines and specially written chapters on major topics in bioethics by leading academic authors and practitioners, pharmaceutical industry associations and professional bodies A compilation of legal and ethical guidance which will be useful for members of research ethics committees, researchers involved in research with humans, members of the pharmaceutical industry and students of law, medicine, ethics and philosophy. Presented in a clear and authoritative form, it incorporates the key legal and ethical guidelines and specially written chapters on major topics in bioethics. This unique compilation of legal and ethical guidance was first published in 2003, and incorporates key guidelines History is unfortunately peppered with stories of abuse carried out in the context of medical research.