compensation for participation in research

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Hello Netrumians,

Another important issue which needs to be addressed in an ICD is Compensation for participation in research . The nature and extent of remuneration should be clearlly mentioned in the ICD.

Participants may be paid for the inconvenience and time spent, and should be reimbursed for expenses incurred, in connection with their participation in research. They may also receive free medical services. When this is reasonable then it cannot be termed as benefit.

During the period of research if the participant requires treatment for complaints other than the one being studied necessary free ancillary care or appropriate referrals may be provided. However, payments should not be so large or the medical services so extensive as to make prospective participants consent readily to enroll in research against their better judgment, which would then be treated as undue inducement.

All payments, reimbursement and medical services to be provided to research participants should be approved by the EC.

Care should be taken :

i. When a guardian is asked to give consent on behalf of an incompetent person, no remuneration should be offered except a refund of out of pocket expenseseral Eth

ical Issues

ii. When a participant is withdrawn from research for medical reasons related to the study the

participant should get the benefit for full participation

iii. When a participant withdraws for any other reasons she/he should be paid an amount proportionate to the amount of participation.

(source:Ethical guidelines for Biomedical research on Human participants. Indian Council of Medical Research New Delhi 2006)

Dr. Smita