Vulnerable populations in research.
Clinical research studies, both nursing and medical, occur in many critical care units. As with any clinical study, it is necessary to obtain informed consent from any person participating in the study. Although many patients are able to agree or refuse to participate in the study, many are unable to do so for a variety of reasons. These patients make up vulnerable populations or people with questionable capacity. This brief article will review patients who may be vulnerable and define the role of the critical-care nurse when caring for these patients.
Miracle
Vickie A
VA
Bellarmine University School of Nursing, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, USA. vmiracle@aol.com
D035843:Biomedical Research; D002648:Child; D032984:Ethics, Research; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006806:Human Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D024802:Nurse's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011329:Prisoners; D035842:Research Subjects; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations