Informed Consent on Epidemiological Studies

Research in Japan and Overseas

Abstract

The Informed Consent Task Force on Epidemiological Studies conducted three main studies. The principal results are noted below.
1. Research on informed consent (IC) in epidemiological studies
This is the first study that revealed the actual conditions of IC in epidemiological studies in Japan. A total of 233 ( 70.6% ) epidemiologists did some explanation to research subjects and 156 ( 47.3% ) confirmed participation agreement.
2. Research on the attitudes of the general public with respect to epidemiological studies
We examined what kind of information research subjects needed before participation on research depended on what sort of health information they would be required to provide.
3. Review of ethical issues on epidemiological studies overseas
We investigated the ethical situation surrounding access to medical records in the UK and the USA. Furthermore, we examined IC issues from a legal perspect.
The Task Force found that it is indispensable to have various opportunities for discussion in order to establish ethical guidelines for IC on epidemiological studies.