Freedom of Information Act: scalpel or just a sharp knife?. Issue 1 (18th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hammond, Simon P; Cross, Jane L; Poland, Fiona M; Patel, Martyn; Penhale, Bridget; Smith, Toby O; Fox, Chris
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 43:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2016-10-18
• Subjects: Research Ethics -- Public Law -- Public Health Ethics -- Coercion -- Confidentiality/Privacy; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2016-103609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : The concluding statement of the Burns Commission, established to evaluate whether changes are needed to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ruled no major legislative changes were required. As such Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation still enables anyone to obtain information from public authorities. In this brief report article we explore arguments regarding FOI as an instrument for healthcare research using an international research programme as a case study.