Parker (2005) examined current regulations that do not allow low-risk research u

Question

Parker (2005) examined current regulations that do not allow low-risk research using patient records without patient consent due to the potential ease of breaching confidentiality. Parker suggested that patients have come to expect that their records will be used without their consent under certain conditions. Does this make using the records ethical?

Reference:

Parker, M. (2005, July). When is research on patient records without consent ethical? Journal of Health Services Research Policy. 10(3):183-6.

Explanation / Answer

The ethical guidelines set by the American Psychological Association to carry out a research, confidentiality is one of the most important principles in the guidelines. Breaching confidentiality in any way is unethical. The consent of the patient is of utmost importance. If the patient consents on leting use of records, it is ethical. However, if the records are used without consent, it is considered to be unethical and violating the norms set by the APA. Since Parker suggested that patients have come to expect that their records will be used without their consent under certain conditions, it is argued to be ethical. Arguments suggest that, there is a difference between autonomy and respect. Patients' records are respected and kept confidential. However, if there is a need that arises for research purposes, then researchers can use it without the patient's consent. Using records without consent in any way is otherwise unethical.

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