Ethics: The Challenges in International Research Prof Wendy Moyle, Deputy Director RCCCPI, Griffith University Asia-Pacific Research Symposium, Gold Coast Campus 1 st -2 nd July 2008

International Research  International research involving human beings must meet two ethical tests: The research must meet international ethical standards for the protection of human participants – respect for persons, beneficence, justice, respect for community, contextual caring. Must meet ethical standards relevant in the institutional setting and cultural environment in which the research takes place  Olsen, DP (2003). Ethical considerations in international nursing research: a report from the international centre for nursing ethics, Nursing Ethics, 10,

Some challenges to consider  Debate as to whether ethics are universal  Researchers must be able to understand each other – understand personal & cultural differences  Need to balance ethical principles with practical & local conditions while paying attention to questions of cultural competence  High level of respect: foreigners and some professions may be perceived as powerful – potential conflicts & ethical challenges  Ethics review that might not be as prescribed by Helsinki Declaration  Informed consent protocols are not necessarily transferable across cultural, national or ethnic groups  Recruitment criteria may not always be comparable across countries e.g. older people  Instruments – some instruments have not been developed & validated for other cultures  Any intervention if successful must be affordable & practical in the local milieu  May need to consider use of alternatives to informed consent: remains a difficult issue for western people to confront  Confidentiality – who will collect & retain the data?  Privacy laws – different international laws  Ethics approval – from all universities involved – who will take lead?  Scientific journals for international community are in English - Availability of scientific journals/literature?

Ethical Multiculturalism – balance, preservation, dignity, value Harper, MG. (2006). Ethical multiculturalism. An evolutionary concept analysis, Advances in Nursing Science, 29,  Moral reasoning – consideration of all relevant aspects of the case in its context  Respect for persons and communities – Respect provides a mechanism to prevent action from being taken against the individual’s wishes  Cultural competence –to effectively work within the cultural context of a client. Recognises and adheres to laws and regulations, attitudes and mores  Beneficience/nonmaleficence – recognition that traditions and customs which govern and influence people’s behaviour may be harmful to individuals. Research in every cultural setting must have the potential to do good and prevent harm.  Cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural sensitivity, cultural encounters, cultural skill, knowledge ethical principles – these antecedents address various ethical concerns.