Research Ethics:
Case 1 Discussion
The competence of Mrs. Franklin to give an ethically valid informed consent is
in doubt. You should contact the primary investigator to discuss Mrs. Franklin's
participation in the trial. There may be a surrogate who can give consent
for her participation if it is deemed to be in her best interests. Although
she may be considered a vulnerable research subject because of her mental
status, Mrs. Franklin does belong to the population the intervention is
designed to assist, and her participation may benefit herself and other
Alzheimer's patients. However, a careful balancing of risks and benefits
should occur.
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