Vulnerable Populations, Essay Example

Introduction

When working with vulnerable populations in research settings, it is important for clinicians to recognize the risks and challenges of these opportunities and to be proactive in protecting individuals from unnecessary risks. Human subjects within research studies are often fully unaware of its dangers; therefore, it is important to prioritize the needs of the participant population in order to improve outcomes and to protect their interests. The application of evidence as generated through vulnerable populations requires an examination of the role of DNPs in promoting a safe, effective, and ethically responsible environment in which to conduct research (Murray, 2014).

Body

The application of practice change as promoted by new forms of evidence requires DNPs to translate this information into a viable set of tools for application in the nursing environment. This process requires DNPs to take the necessary precautions to protect vulnerable populations and to consider the methods required to protect patients at all costs (Schneider, 2012). This practice requires DNPs to exercise sound and ethical judgment in working with vulnerable populations in research studies and to be proactive in preventing problems for participants (Schneider, 2012). The implementation of change within the practice environment is essential to the discovery of new strategies to protect vulnerable populations from poor or unethical decision-making (Murray, 2014).

Conclusion

The protection of vulnerable populations requires DNPs to exercise sound and reasonable knowledge in their efforts to integrate this group into different types of research studies. Research involving vulnerable populations requires DNPs to take the precautions that are required to ensure that participants are not at risk and that the research is applied to the practice environment in a positive and ethically responsible manner. This process enables DNPs to utilize their skills and knowledge to improve patient care outcomes and practice objectives as best as possible.

References

Murray, J. S. (2014). Recognizing Ethical Issues in Research. Clinical Scholars Review, 7(1), 63-69.

Schneider, M. A. (2012). Your role in protecting research participants. Nursing2014, 42(1), 15-17.