Navigating the ethics of remote research data collection. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gelinas, Luke; Morrell, Walker; White, Sarah A; Bierer, Barbara E
• Is Part Of: Clinical trials. Volume 18:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 606
• Page End: 614
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Mobile health -- research ethics -- remote monitoring; 615.5072405
• DOI: 10.1177/17407745211027245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-7745

Abstract

COVID-19 has accelerated broad trends already in place toward remote research data collection and monitoring. This move implicates novel ethical and regulatory challenges which have not yet received due attention. Existing work is preliminary and does not seek to identify or grapple with the issues in a rigorous and sophisticated way. Here, we provide a framework for identifying and addressing challenges that we believe can help the research community realize the benefits of remote technologies while preserving ethical ideals and public trust. We organize issues into several distinct categories and provide points to consider in a table that can help facilitate ethical design and review of research studies using remote health instruments.