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| Sunday, 6 February 2005 |
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Ethics of trauma research by Samangie Wettimuny In the post period of tsunami many researches were conducted, the necessity to pay more attention on research of ethics has been felt more than ever. Research on trauma definitely differs from other forms of research, as it basically deals with the human beings physically and psychologically traumatised. So it should be done in an effective manner, after careful analysis. The seminar and workshop which was held at the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) on January 28, 2005 is indeed of great importance to those who are interested in trauma research. The meeting containing speeches of Prof. Susirith Mendis from University of Ruhuna (He is also the Chairman of SLAS), Prof. William Yule from Institute of Psychiatry, London (a member of UK, Sri Lanka Trauma Group) and Dr. Athula Sumathipala was largely aimed at professionals from various fields. Ethics related to disaster Prof. Susirith Mendis,dealing with the two areas of ethics related to disaster said that ethics of the relief operations have been violated in several ways. Referring to an incident in Galle, he said that large numbers of people from unknown origins have come there with donations,but unfortunately with many outdated drugs in guise of medical relief. There are some ethics of disaster research. But today the research is largely accused for invading the privacy of individuals at times. So disaster research should take place adhering to internationally accepted guidelines, safeguarding the individuality of the affected. Dr. Athula Sumathipala also pointed out the importance of conducting research in an appropriate manner. Since professionals stand for the betterment of the country it is their duty to be attentive on the way research should be carried out. According to the view of Prof. William Yule, in a situation of any disaster, both international and national groups run around the globe without ever being evaluated what they do. Though common humanitarian concern is shown in such events what is more important is to conduct research in a helpful way without embarrassing the affected people. There are important principles of mental health practices. First the affected person should not be harmed in anyway. His or her freedom and autonomy is to be respected. Anybody under traumatic situation would find interventions intrusive and psychologically disturbing. The participant's consent (in a culturally appropriate manner)is essential. In the case of children, priority should be given to the consent of their parents and children themselves, not to that of schools or health authorities. Contrary to widespread views, people's capacity to take decisions about themselves is not necessarily lessened when under stress. In his speech,Yule emphasised the necessity of patience and confidentiality when dealing with mental health problems. Limits of confidentiality The participants need to be assured of the limits of confidentiality. Making available the full information about the study through an information sheet mentioning the details such as the purpose of the research, methods used,time commitment, funding source would be a fine way of guaranteeing the confidentiality. Closing his speech Yule emphasised that the priority concern of the Ethical Review Committee is to look after the interests of participants and the wider community. One of the audience, a lady doctor, who is actively engaged in medical relief in the affected areas expressed her dislike over the way certain one day counselling was done without using any mechanisms. Under such circumstances children are also subjected to undesirable research. Professor Susirith Mendis responding to a question raised by the audience mentioned that there are groups of people who gather data for the sole purpose of publishing them. So it is under such undesirable circumstances that the need of an entity which looks into the needs of the affected people has been felt. The professionals can facilitate in every possible way, to make trauma research a boon for the survivors, rather a burden. SLMA hopes to continue such workshops in future as well. Quoting Abraham Lincon, "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men", Dr. Sumathipala winded up his speech, emphasising the responsibility that befalls on professionals. |
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