Medical "Gatekeeping" for Psychosocial Research on Serious Illness: Bioethical Reflections. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGrath, Pam; Kaur, Amandeep; Feracho, Rennette; Patton, Mary Anne
• Is Part Of: Illness, crisis & loss. Volume 28:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: bioethics -- medical gatekeeping -- psychosocial research -- hematology/oncology -- participant recruitment; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Loss (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 155.937
• DOI: 10.1177/1054137317718999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-1373

Abstract

The discussion explores ethical issues associated with medical "gatekeeping" in relation to psychosocial health research associated with serious illness and loss. "Gatekeeping" is defined as the process whereby health-care providers prevent access to eligible patients for research recruitment. The impact of this practice on the research process is explored, including issues of sample representation, selection bias, and wastage of time and resources. The reflection of ethical issues is set in the context of research on clinical empathic responsiveness and accuracy, paternalism, and the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.