Human research ethics among postgraduate medical students in a medical college of south India

Abstract

Background – Medical ethics deals with the moral values and judgment in the practice of medicine. Medical research is happening vigorously in many developing countries in the present scenario, because of the need to improve healthcare. As medical research involves human participants, it has to be guided by fundamental ethical principles to ensure the protection of their rights and welfare. There are very few medical colleges in India with a standardised ethics curriculum, and with provisions for evaluation. This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Medical postgraduate students regarding research ethics.
Methods - A one year Cross Sectional Study was done among 154 Postgraduate MD and MS students of medical college. An online questionnaire consisting of questions related to knowledge and attitude towards principles and practice of ethics in clinical research, informed consent, and role of the ethical committee in the institution was given to those who gave consent to participate in the study.
Results The Mean ± SD score for Knowledge questions was 8.49 ± 1.65(11) with a min and max score of (2 ,11). The Mean ± SD score for attitude questions was 7.35 ± 1.78(10) with a min and max score of (0 ,10). The Mean ± SD score for practice questions was 14.01 ± 2.75 (18) with a min and max score of (1,18)
Conclusion
Integrating comprehensive ethics education into the curriculum, addressing specific concerns through targeted training programs, and providing mentorship opportunities are needed. Apart from these, efforts in development of national regulations and guidelines, establishment of relevant national bodies, capacity building, and accreditation system are required. At the institutional level necessary structured process and independence of ethical committees is required.