Ethical and research dilemmas arising from a questionnaire study of psychological morbidity among general practice managers

TY - JOUR

T1 - Ethical and research dilemmas arising from a questionnaire study of psychological morbidity among general practice managers

AU - Sheikh, A

AU - Hurwitz, B

AU - Parker, M

PY - 2001

Y1 - 2001

N2 - A questionnaire-based research project enquiring into the psychological health of general practice managers found that 5% of managers admitted to suicidal ideas. This paper explores the moral issues raised when research conducted at a distance uncovers information about participants which indicates that they may be at increased risk of harm. It examines whether the authors of such studies have responsibilities towards their research participants beyond those of analysing and properly interpreting the data supplied to them. The paper is an exercise in self-reflection and self-criticism; not all the questions posed and explored by it can be answered definitively. Implications for planning studies of this kind are discussed.

AB - A questionnaire-based research project enquiring into the psychological health of general practice managers found that 5% of managers admitted to suicidal ideas. This paper explores the moral issues raised when research conducted at a distance uncovers information about participants which indicates that they may be at increased risk of harm. It examines whether the authors of such studies have responsibilities towards their research participants beyond those of analysing and properly interpreting the data supplied to them. The paper is an exercise in self-reflection and self-criticism; not all the questions posed and explored by it can be answered definitively. Implications for planning studies of this kind are discussed.

M3 - Article

SN - 1478-5242

VL - 51

SP - 32

EP - 35

JO - British Journal of General Practice

JF - British Journal of General Practice

IS - 462

ER -