Distinguishing the Ethics of Clinical Research and Clinical Care

Rashelle B. Hayes, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Clinical research is vital to clinical care. These days, more research is conducted by clinicians in more organizations and across many disciplines. Thus, at some point in a career, a clinician will undoubtedly work with researchers or may hold dual roles as both clinician and research investigator. While this can create enormous opportunities for advances in healthcare, often this can potentially allow for ethical concerns to surface. These ethical concerns may stem from a limited understanding of how clinical research differs from clinical care. Additionally, roles and obligations of a clinician versus clinician-researcher may unintentionally blur in research settings. Clarifying these differences for the clinician-researcher as well as for the patient may help to reduce ethical concerns when conducting research.