Ethical challenges in designing and conducting medicine quality surveys
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropical medicine & international health
Abstract
In this paper we discuss the main ethical challenges related to the conduct of medicine
quality surveys and make suggestions on how to address them.
method Most evidence-based information regarding medicine quality derives from surveys.
However, existing research ethical guidelines do not provide specific guidance for medicine quality
surveys. Hence, those conducting surveys are often left wondering how to judge what counts as best
practice. A list of the main ethical challenges in the design and conduct of surveys is presented.
results and conclusions It is vital that the design and conduct of medicine quality surveys
uphold moral and ethical obligations and analyse the ethical implications and consequences of such
work. These aspects include the impact on the local availability of and access to medicines; the
confidentiality and privacy of the surveyors and the surveyed; questions as to whether outlet staff
personnel should be told they are part of a survey; the need of ethical and regulatory approvals; and
how the findings should be disseminated. Medicine quality surveys should ideally be conducted in
partnership with the relevant national Medicine Regulatory Authorities. An international, but
contextually sensitive, model of good ethical practice for such surveys is needed.
Description
Keywords
Ethics, Poor quality, Medicines, Surveys, Falsified and substandard medicines, Counterfeit
Citation
Tabernero, P., Parker, M., Ravinetto, R., Phanouvong, S., Yeung, S., Kitutu, F. E., ... & Newton, P. N. (2016). Ethical challenges in designing and conducting medicine quality surveys. Tropical medicine & international health, 21(6), 799-806. doi:10.1111/tmi.12707