title: Use of certificates of confidentiality in nursing research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the use of Certificates of Confidentiality in nursing research.
  
  
  METHODS
  In situations that are particularly complex, sensitive, and in which the participants are extremely vulnerable, a Certificate of Confidentiality issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may be useful to help ensure the privacy of research participants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Theoretical and research literature, DHHS documents, and research experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Not all research with vulnerable populations requires the additional protection provided by Certificates of Confidentiality. However, certificates may be indicated in studies in which participants and researchers may be exposed to compelled legal disclosure of research data.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health Sciences University, School of Nursing, Portland 97201-3098, USA. lutzk@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Lutz
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Shelton
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Robrecht
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Hatton
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Beckett
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D003219:Confidentiality; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States; D014483:United States Dept. of Health and Human Services