About
Informed consent is a foundational principle of research ethics; but, recent work has shown that participants often misunderstand the nature and risks of the studies in which they participate. Philosopher Jake Earl has argued, however, that it doesn't end there: many participants also misunderstand the social value of a study, that is, the ways in which it will benefit society as a whole. When altruistic patients choose to participate in a study because they misunderstand how their participation will help others, can we really call their consent informed? And further, how can we even go about understanding the social value of a study? In this CARE (Conversations about Research Ethics) Panel, our focus will be on the role of social value in setting research priorities, designing studies, and meaningfully obtaining informed consent.
Panelists
Jake Earl, Director of Research, Innovation, and Data Ethics, National Center for Ethics in Health Care, US Department of Veteran Affairs
