Research ethics and forensic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss ethical and legal issues arising from research conducted on forensic psychiatric patients.


METHODS
A review of the literature and ethical and legal guidelines related to research ethics with human subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Forensic patients who are research subjects are particularly vulnerable to coercion and abuse as a result of the dual vulnerabilities stemming from their status as both prisoners and psychiatric patients. Researchers in the area of forensic mental health must carefully consider ethical guidelines and ensure that the rights of participants are respected and upheld.
Regehr
C
C
Faculty of Social Work and Institute for Medical Sciences, Centre for Applied Social Research, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5A 1S1. cheryl.regehr@utoronto.ca
Edwardh
M
M
Bradford
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*