Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants
Abstract Background Prehospital ambulance based research has unique ethical considerations due to urgency, time limitations and the locations involved. We sought to explore these issues through interviews with experts in this research field. Methods We undertook semi-structured interviews with exper...
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doaj-ee41eada91634bdda82b6076fd75c0742020-11-25T03:42:09ZengBMCBMC Medical Ethics1472-69392019-11-0120111210.1186/s12910-019-0425-3Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informantsStephanie Armstrong0Adele Langlois1Niroshan Siriwardena2Tom Quinn3School of Health and Social Care, University of LincolnSchool of Social and Political Science, University of LincolnProfessor of Primary and Pre-hospital Healthcare, Community and Health Research Unit School of Health and Social Care, University of LincolnEmergency, Cardiovascular and Critical Care Research Group, Kingston University and St George’s, University of LondonAbstract Background Prehospital ambulance based research has unique ethical considerations due to urgency, time limitations and the locations involved. We sought to explore these issues through interviews with experts in this research field. Methods We undertook semi-structured interviews with expert informants, primarily based in the UK, seeking their views and experiences of ethics in ambulance based clinical research. Participants were questioned regarding their experiences of ambulance based research, their opinions on current regulations and guidelines, and views about their general ethical considerations. Participants were chosen because they were actively involved in, or in their expert capacity (e.g. law) expressed an interest in, ambulance based research. Results Fourteen participants were interviewed including principal investigators, researchers, ethicists and medical lawyers. Five major themes were identified: Capacity, Consent, Clinical Considerations, Consultation and Regulation. Questions regarding consent and capacity were foremost in the discussions as all participants highlighted these as areas for concern. The challenges and use of multiple consent models reflected the complexity of research in this environment. The clinical theme referred to the role of paramedics in research and how research involving ambulance services is increasingly informing improvements to patient care and outcomes and reducing the burden on hospital services. Most felt that, although current regulations were fit for purpose, more specific guidance on implementing these in the ambulance setting would be beneficial. This related closely to the theme of consultation, which examined the key role of ethics committees and other regulatory bodies, as well as public engagement. Conclusions By interviewing experts in research or ethics in this setting we were able to identify key concerns and highlight areas for future development such as improved guidance.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12910-019-0425-3United KingdomAmbulanceClinical trialsEthicsConsentExpert interviews |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Stephanie Armstrong Adele Langlois Niroshan Siriwardena Tom Quinn |
spellingShingle |
Stephanie Armstrong Adele Langlois Niroshan Siriwardena Tom Quinn Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants BMC Medical Ethics United Kingdom Ambulance Clinical trials Ethics Consent Expert interviews |
author_facet |
Stephanie Armstrong Adele Langlois Niroshan Siriwardena Tom Quinn |
author_sort |
Stephanie Armstrong |
title |
Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
title_short |
Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
title_full |
Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
title_fullStr |
Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
title_full_unstemmed |
Ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
title_sort |
ethical considerations in prehospital ambulance based research: qualitative interview study of expert informants |
publisher |
BMC |
series |
BMC Medical Ethics |
issn |
1472-6939 |
publishDate |
2019-11-01 |
description |
Abstract Background Prehospital ambulance based research has unique ethical considerations due to urgency, time limitations and the locations involved. We sought to explore these issues through interviews with experts in this research field. Methods We undertook semi-structured interviews with expert informants, primarily based in the UK, seeking their views and experiences of ethics in ambulance based clinical research. Participants were questioned regarding their experiences of ambulance based research, their opinions on current regulations and guidelines, and views about their general ethical considerations. Participants were chosen because they were actively involved in, or in their expert capacity (e.g. law) expressed an interest in, ambulance based research. Results Fourteen participants were interviewed including principal investigators, researchers, ethicists and medical lawyers. Five major themes were identified: Capacity, Consent, Clinical Considerations, Consultation and Regulation. Questions regarding consent and capacity were foremost in the discussions as all participants highlighted these as areas for concern. The challenges and use of multiple consent models reflected the complexity of research in this environment. The clinical theme referred to the role of paramedics in research and how research involving ambulance services is increasingly informing improvements to patient care and outcomes and reducing the burden on hospital services. Most felt that, although current regulations were fit for purpose, more specific guidance on implementing these in the ambulance setting would be beneficial. This related closely to the theme of consultation, which examined the key role of ethics committees and other regulatory bodies, as well as public engagement. Conclusions By interviewing experts in research or ethics in this setting we were able to identify key concerns and highlight areas for future development such as improved guidance. |
topic |
United Kingdom Ambulance Clinical trials Ethics Consent Expert interviews |
url |
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12910-019-0425-3 |
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