Classic statements of research ethics advise against permitting physician-investigators to obtain consent for research participation from patients with whom they have preexisting treatment relationships. Reluctance about “dual-role” consent reflects the view that distinct normative commitments govern physician–patient and investigator–participant relationships, and that blurring the research–care boundary could lead to ethical transgressions. Yet dual-role consent is common in many research contexts.
In this project, we re-examine the ethical arguments against dual-role consent through normative and empirical research to inform policy and practice on research informed consent.
Papers
- Stephanie R. Morain, Steven Joffe & Emily A. Largent (2019) When Is It Ethical for Physician-Investigators to Seek Consent From Their Own Patients?, The American Journal of Bioethics, 19:4,11-18, DOI: 1080/15265161.2019.1572811
- Stephanie R. Morain, Emily A. Largent & Anna Wexler (2021) Getting into Their Heads: When the Investigator is also the Treating Physician, AJOB Neuroscience, 12:1,68-70, DOI: 1080/21507740.2020.1866103
- Stephanie R. Morain, Steven Joffe & Emily A. Largent (2019) Response to Open Peer Commentaries: When Is It Ethical for Physician-Investigators to Seek Consent From Their Own Patients?, The American Journal of Bioethics, 19:5, W3-W4, DOI: 1080/15265161.2019.1591543
- Stephanie R. Morain, Dorit Barlevy, Steven Joffe & Emily A. Largent (2023) Physician-Investigator, Research Coordinator, and Dual-Role Consent in Oncology: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Network Open. 6(7):e2325477. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.25477