Prisoner Participation in Clinical Research Trials, Essay Example

Introduction

A study by Lee (2012) addresses the significance of prisoner participation in clinical trials and whether or not this is a feasible and appropriate right for this population under the Eighth Amendment. This practice requires a detailed evaluation of the type of research and whether or not a prisoner population is qualified or permitted to participate (Lee 541). The article conveys the importance of the legal limitations and challenges of this type of population and requires further investigation into the appropriateness of this group (Lee 541). The article is relevant because it introduces a population that is less frequently discussed in clinical research, yet is worthy of consideration (Lee 541).

Analysis

Research involving prisoners has its opportunities and its limitations, according to the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects, and this requires the appropriate evaluation and approvals from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in order to move forward. It is important to consider this population for specific types of clinical trials when it is permissible; however, it is within the rights of a detention facility to prohibit any type of clinical research from taking place with its population (OPRS). Furthermore, historical challenges remain, particularly in reference to the Nuremberg Code and the Belmont Report, both of which aim to prevent prisoner abuse in reference to clinical trials (OPRS).

Conclusion

The article and subsequent resource provide information regarding the prisoner population and whether or not it is suitable for different types of clinical trials. Therefore, this process requires an evaluation of the type of clinical trial, the appropriateness of the population, whether or not the facility where the prisoners are housed is in support of the clinical research, and whether or not the clinical research protocol is safe for this population. These issues must be considered in greater detail in order to emphasize clinical research opportunities and their impact on participants.

Works Cited

Lee, Vivian. “Prisoner Participation in Clinical Research Trials: A Fundamental Right Under the Eighth Amendment?” Journal of Legal Medicine 33.4(2012): 541-552.

Office for the Protection of Human Subjects. “Research with prisoners.” 6 October 2014: http://oprs.usc.edu/education/prisoners/