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Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT).

Publication ,  Journal Article
Roach, AN; Braithwaite, T; Carrington, C; Marcellin, E; Sharma, S; Hingorani, A; Casas, JP; Hauser, MA; Allingham, RR; Ramsewak, SS; Bourne, R
Published in: Appl Transl Genom
June 2016

BACKGROUND: The conduct of international collaborative genomics research raises distinct ethical challenges that require special consideration, especially if conducted in settings that are research-naïve or resource-limited. Although there is considerable literature on these issues, there is a dearth of literature chronicling approaches taken to address these issues in the field. Additionally no previous ethical guidelines have been developed to support similar research in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken to identify strategies used to address common ethical issues relevant to human genetics and genomics research in research-naïve or resource-limited settings. Strategies identified were combined with novel approaches to develop a culturally appropriate, multifaceted strategy to address potential challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). RESULTS: Regarding the protection of study participants, we report a decision to exclude children as participants; the use of a Community Engagement and Sensitization Strategy to increase the genetic literacy of the target population; the involvement of local expertise to ensure cultural sensitivity and to address potential comprehension barriers in informed consent; and an audit of the informed consent process to ensure valid consent. Concerning the regulation of the research, we report on ethics approvals from relevant authorities; a Materials Transfer Agreement to guide sample ownership and export; and a Sample Governance Committee to oversee data use and data access. Finally regarding the protection of the interests of scientists from the host country, we report on capacity building efforts to ensure that local scientists have access to data collected through the project and appropriate recognition of their contributions in future publications. CONCLUSION: This paper outlines an ethical framework for the conduct of population-based genetics and genomics research in Trinidad and Tobago; highlights common issues arising in the field and strategies to address these.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Appl Transl Genom

DOI

ISSN

2212-0661

Publication Date

June 2016

Volume

9

Start / End Page

6 / 14

Location

Netherlands
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Roach, A. N., Braithwaite, T., Carrington, C., Marcellin, E., Sharma, S., Hingorani, A., … Bourne, R. (2016). Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). Appl Transl Genom, 9, 6–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001
Roach, Allana N., Tasanee Braithwaite, Christine Carrington, Elysse Marcellin, Subash Sharma, Aroon Hingorani, Juan P. Casas, et al. “Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT).Appl Transl Genom 9 (June 2016): 6–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001.
Roach AN, Braithwaite T, Carrington C, Marcellin E, Sharma S, Hingorani A, et al. Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). Appl Transl Genom. 2016 Jun;9:6–14.
Roach, Allana N., et al. “Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT).Appl Transl Genom, vol. 9, June 2016, pp. 6–14. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001.
Roach AN, Braithwaite T, Carrington C, Marcellin E, Sharma S, Hingorani A, Casas JP, Hauser MA, Allingham RR, Ramsewak SS, Bourne R. Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). Appl Transl Genom. 2016 Jun;9:6–14.
Journal cover image

Published In

Appl Transl Genom

DOI

ISSN

2212-0661

Publication Date

June 2016

Volume

9

Start / End Page

6 / 14

Location

Netherlands