Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
J Med Ethics. 2012 Jan;38(1):48-52. doi: 10.1136/jme.2010.041350. Epub 2011 Jun 17.
It has been suggested that researchers are obliged to offer summary findings to research participants to demonstrate respect for persons, and that this may increase public trust in, and awareness of, the research enterprise. Yet little research explores researchers' attitudes and practices regarding the range of initiatives that might serve these ends.
Results of an international survey of 785 eligible authors of genetics research studies in autism or cystic fibrosis are reported.
Of 343 researchers who completed the survey (44% response rate), the majority agreed that their team should (i) inform participants of summary findings (90.7%) and (ii) ensure they gain an awareness of developments in the field (86.9%). Additionally, the majority reported that in practice, their team (i) informs participants of summary findings (69.4%) and (ii) provides other types of relevant non-results information (eg, state of science in the field, opportunities for research participation) (67.9%).
Researchers endorsed the obligation of communicating with research participants by providing summary findings and other research-related information in equal measure. In light of these findings, it is suggested that while the provision of summary results may contribute to efforts to discharge the obligation of respect for persons, it may be neither a necessary nor a sufficient means to this end.
有人认为，研究人员有义务向研究参与者提供总结性发现，以展示对人的尊重，这可能会增加公众对研究事业的信任和认识。然而，很少有研究探讨研究人员对于可能达到这些目的的各种举措的态度和做法。
报告了一项针对自闭症或囊性纤维化遗传学研究的 785 名合格作者的国际调查的结果。
在完成调查的 343 名研究人员中（响应率为 44%），大多数人同意他们的团队应该（i）向参与者通报总结性发现（90.7%）和（ii）确保他们了解该领域的发展（86.9%）。此外，大多数人报告说，实际上，他们的团队（i）向参与者通报总结性发现（69.4%）和（ii）提供其他类型的相关非结果信息（例如，该领域的科学状况、参与研究的机会）（67.9%）。
研究人员赞同通过提供总结性发现和其他与研究相关的信息来与研究参与者沟通的义务，在这些发现的基础上，虽然提供总结结果可能有助于履行对人的尊重的义务，但这既不是必要的，也不是充分的手段。
