Informed Consent Guidelines for Human Genetics at Universiti Sains Malaysia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Informed Consent Template and Guidelines on the Ethical Practice in Human Genetics and Human Genomic Research; Initiatives of the Universiti Sains Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Teguh Haryo Sasongko, Zamh Zabidi-Hussin, Nor Hayati Othman, Hans Van Rostenberghe
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Informed Consent Template and Guidelines on the Ethical Practice in Human Genetics and Human Genomic Research; Initiatives of the Universiti Sains Malaysia
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Malaysia is making significant strides in the fields of human genetics and genomics, striving to keep pace with the global scientific community. Despite existing regulations concerning medical genetic services, the rapid development of genomic technologies has presented new ethical challenges that current guidelines fail to adequately address. In response, Universiti Sains Malaysia has developed in-house guidelines and an informed consent template specifically for genetic and genomic research. This article outlines these initiatives, providing insight into their rationale and offering recommendations for local regulatory frameworks and social studies.
Ethical Guidelines for Genetic Research
One vital aspect of the USM guidelines is the emphasis on informed consent and the importance of genetic counseling for participants in research studies. The guidelines mandate that researchers provide thorough information regarding the research process, potential risks, and the handling of incidental findings, ensuring that participants fully understand their rights and the implications of their consent. Additionally, the guidelines recognize the need for clear data management practices, maintaining confidentiality, and informing participants about the handling of their biological samples and personal information. This structured approach is intended to empower participants and safeguard their rights, acknowledging the intricacies of ethical concerns in genetic research.
Conclusion
The development of comprehensive guidelines for human genetics and genomics research at Universiti Sains Malaysia marks a critical step in addressing ethical issues arising from the rapid advancement of genomic technologies. The guidelines and informed consent template are designed to be adaptable, incorporating local cultural sensitivities while aiming to foster public trust in genetic research. In light of potential discrimination and privacy concerns associated with genetic information, these measures highlight the importance of ongoing discussions about ethical practices and regulatory needs within the Malaysian scientific community. As research volume increases, establishing a national framework for genetics and genomics research will be essential in navigating these evolving challenges.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What challenges does Malaysia face in human genetics research?
Malaysia has sufficient regulations for medical genetic services; however, these are inadequate to address the emerging ethical issues from modern genomic technologies, necessitating the development of independent guidelines focused on genetic and genomic research.
What is the purpose of the USM guidelines?
The USM guidelines are created to ensure ethical practices in genetic and genomic research. They provide a framework to address issues such as informed consent, data storage, and the disclosure of results, thereby enhancing ethical standards in research.
How does genetic research differ from genetic services?
Genetic services are designed to provide patient-specific medical information, while genetic research aims to gather data for broader scientific insights. The guidelines differentiate between these two purposes, addressing their unique ethical considerations.
What are the key components included in informed consent?
Informed consent must include details about the research topic, purposes, risks, potential benefits, data confidentiality, rights upon withdrawal, and any implications concerning incidental findings, ensuring participants make well-informed decisions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Informed Consent Guidelines for Human Genetics at Universiti Sains Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation or examination of a subject or phenomenon to discover new information or insights. In the context of genetics and genomics, studies are essential for advancing understanding, facilitating research innovation, and deriving conclusions that can impact clinical practices and ethical standards surrounding genetic information.
2) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the structured approach to understanding natural phenomena through empirical observation, experimentation, and validation of hypotheses. In genetics and genomics, scientific methodologies underpin research investigations, ensuring that findings are reproducible, reliable, and contribute meaningfully to the body of knowledge within these fields.
3) Bioethics:
Bioethics is an interdisciplinary field that addresses ethical issues arising from advancements in biology and medicine, particularly in human genetics and genomics. It examines the moral implications of genetic research, including consent, privacy, discrimination, and the impact of genetic technologies on individuals and society.
4) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of excellence in processes, methods, and outcomes in research and healthcare. In genetic research, maintaining quality is critical to ensure reliability and validity of findings, safeguarding participant welfare, and upholding ethical standards throughout the research lifecycle, from design to data management.
5) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data or information, often in rows and columns, to facilitate clarity and understanding. Tables are commonly used in scientific literature to present results of studies, comparisons, and other essential data in a structured format that enhances readability and comprehension.
6) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information, understanding, and skills gained through experience or education. In genetics and genomics, knowledge is vital for researchers to navigate complex ethical considerations, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with participants and stakeholders about genetic findings, implications, and clinical significance.
7) Charter:
Charter refers to a formal document outlining principles or guidelines adopted by an organization or group. In the context of genetic research, a charter may establish ethical norms for conducting studies, sharing data, and ensuring accountability, thereby helping to protect participant rights and enhance research integrity.
8) Family:
Family signifies a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Within genetic studies, the concept of family is significant as genetic information often impacts not just the individual participant but also their relatives, raising considerations of familial consent, privacy, and the potential for shared genetic conditions.
9) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent characteristics and qualities of organisms and ecosystems. In the arena of genetics and genomics, understanding the nature of genetic material, variation, and inheritance is fundamental for conducting research, interpreting results, and addressing questions about the applicability of findings to natural biological processes.
10) House:
House often denotes a physical or organizational space. In terms of guidelines and protocols, 'house' may signify an institutional framework, such as the Universiti Sains Malaysia, that develops ethics guidelines for conducting research, emphasizing the importance of in-house standards tailored to specific institutional and cultural contexts.
11) Arrangement:
Arrangement signifies the organization or structuring of elements in a particular order or disposition. In bioethics, arrangement may relate to the configuration of guidelines, research frameworks, and regulatory systems that govern ethical research practices, ensuring that participant rights and interests are adequately addressed.
12) Perception:
Perception involves the understanding or interpretation of sensory information or concepts. In genetics research, public perception significantly influences participant willingness to engage in studies, affecting consent and attitudes towards genetic testing, thus necessitating research on the perceptions and concerns of individuals regarding genetic implications.
13) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In the context of genetics, it plays a crucial role as genetic findings have direct implications for clinical practices, including personalized medicine approaches that tailor treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup.
14) Meeting:
Meeting refers to a gathering of individuals for discussion or decision-making purposes. In scientific research, meetings can facilitate collaboration, share findings, and establish consensus on ethical practices. They are vital for fostering communication among researchers, ethicists, and stakeholders regarding developing guidelines and protocols.
15) Blood:
Blood is the bodily fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system, containing cells and substances vital for health. In genetic research, blood samples are often utilized for extracting DNA to study genetic variants, diseases, and familial patterns, thereby providing essential data for genetic investigations.
16) Akta:
Akta is a Malay term that translates to 'act' or 'law.' It signifies legal frameworks or regulations that govern practices. In genetic research, relevant 'Akta,' such as the DNA Act of 2009, provides a legal backdrop for the ethical handling and use of genetic materials and data.
17) Pari:
Pari refers to a notion of being equal or level. While not directly mentioned in a genetic context, it can metaphorically represent the aim of equitable access to genetic services and information, ensuring that all segments of society benefit equally from advancements in genetics and genomics.
18) Hand:
Hand symbolizes action or agency in carrying out tasks. In genetics research, 'hand' may imply the hands-on approach needed for conducting research, and the involvement of medical professionals in genetic counseling and ethical considerations, emphasizing the importance of human agency in navigating genetic outcomes.
19) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency and trustworthiness of results obtained from research. In genetic studies, ensuring high reliability is essential for validating data, making informed clinical decisions, and sustaining trust among participants, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community regarding genetic findings and interpretations.
20) Discussion:
Discussion is the exchange of ideas and information, often in a collaborative manner. In the context of genetic research, discussion among researchers, ethicists, and participants plays a critical role in refining ethical protocols, understanding public perspectives, and addressing challenges related to genetic data and its implications.
21) Collecting:
Collecting involves gathering data or materials for research purposes. In genetics, collecting biological samples and data is foundational for conducting genetic studies, contributing to the understanding of heritable traits, genetic disorders, and population genetics, and enabling the advancement of personalized medical approaches.
22) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate denotes the process of gradually gathering or amassing items over time. In genetic research, accumulating data from various studies enhances the overall understanding of genetic variations, fostering insights into health outcomes, familial patterns, and the effectiveness of interventions across different populations.
23) Language:
Language is a system of communication used to convey concepts and share information. In genetics, clear and precise language is essential for drafting informed consent forms, communicating research findings, and ensuring that participants understand the implications of genetic testing, thus fostering informed decision-making.
24) Police:
Police refers to law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws. In genetic research, considerations regarding police involvement may arise in instances where genetic information is relevant to legal matters, emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines concerning privacy and the potential misuse of genetic data.
25) Roman (Roma):
Roman may relate to historical or cultural aspects that influence contemporary practices, including legal and ethical frameworks. Its relevance to genetics might pertain to historical attitudes toward genetics and the evolution of bioethical considerations over time, reflecting on how past norms influence current policies and practices.
26) Pose:
Pose refers to the act of presenting or positioning an issue for consideration. In the realm of genetics, researchers may pose ethical dilemmas related to consent, privacy, and implications of genetic findings, prompting critical discussions about how to reconcile scientific advancement with ethical integrity.
27) Line:
Line may denote a boundary or division. In genetic research, lines often signify the distinction between different domains, such as research and clinical practice, outlining ethical boundaries that must be navigated when sharing genetic information, managing data, and addressing incidental findings that may arise during research.
28) Post:
Post generally refers to something that follows or comes after. In the context of genetic research, post-research activities include dissemination of findings, follow-up with participants regarding their results, and ongoing monitoring of ethical practices regarding genetic research, ensuring that all implications of research outcomes are addressed.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Informed Consent Guidelines for Human Genetics at Universiti Sains Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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