Moral Standards for Research in Developing Countries, Essay Example

The article, Moral Standards for Research in Developing Countries, examines the benefits and fairness of research performed in developing countries. Many commentators are arguing that these developing countries are being exploited when it comes to conducting research. They believe that the research is of little or no benefit to the participants.  The authors of this article have concluded that a fair benefit framework will offer a reliable and justifiable way to avoid exploiting the participants in clinical studies. In some cases, participants are used for clinical studies, but are not followed up with or provided any additional information or help. Once the trial is over, the participants are forgotten about because the clinicians have received the information they needed. With a framework, this type of scenario would never happen. There would be guidelines and contracts signed that dictate how the process must be followed and how long or if any follow-up must be completed.

Under the fair benefits framework, there are three principles: fair benefits, collaboration, and transparency. Under these three principles are numerous benchmarks that insure that participants in clinical studies are not exploited and benefit from these studies. The overall or most important factor is that the participants of the clinical study health improve as a direct result of the services the participant receives. Also, they want to ensure that the participants are able to receive follow-up services that are essential to continued good health. It is even suggested that the project provides jobs for the participants after the completion of the study. Also, if the general population is at risk, the same intervention should be provided to the villages and community.

In conclusion, the framework will ensure that participants are benefiting from participating in clinical studies. They want to ensure that the participants understand the study and are not coerced to participate.