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Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT).

Roach, AN; Braithwaite, T; Carrington, C; Marcellin, E; Sharma, S; Hingorani, A; Casas, JP; ... Bourne, R; + view all (2016) Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). Applied & Translational Genomics , 9 pp. 6-14. 10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001. Green open access

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The conduct of international collaborative genomics research raises distinct ethical challenges that require special consideration, especially if conducted in settings that are research-naïve or resource-limited. Although there is considerable literature on these issues, there is a dearth of literature chronicling approaches taken to address these issues in the field. Additionally no previous ethical guidelines have been developed to support similar research in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken to identify strategies used to address common ethical issues relevant to human genetics and genomics research in research-naïve or resource-limited settings. Strategies identified were combined with novel approaches to develop a culturally appropriate, multifaceted strategy to address potential challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT). RESULTS: Regarding the protection of study participants, we report a decision to exclude children as participants; the use of a Community Engagement and Sensitization Strategy to increase the genetic literacy of the target population; the involvement of local expertise to ensure cultural sensitivity and to address potential comprehension barriers in informed consent; and an audit of the informed consent process to ensure valid consent. Concerning the regulation of the research, we report on ethics approvals from relevant authorities; a Materials Transfer Agreement to guide sample ownership and export; and a Sample Governance Committee to oversee data use and data access. Finally regarding the protection of the interests of scientists from the host country, we report on capacity building efforts to ensure that local scientists have access to data collected through the project and appropriate recognition of their contributions in future publications. CONCLUSION: This paper outlines an ethical framework for the conduct of population-based genetics and genomics research in Trinidad and Tobago; highlights common issues arising in the field and strategies to address these.

Type: Article
Title: Addressing ethical challenges in the Genetics Substudy of the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (GSNESTT).
Location: Netherlands
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001
Publisher version: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.atg.2016.05.001
Language: English
Additional information: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in the credit line; if the material is not included under the Creative Commons license, users will need to obtain permission from the license holder to reproduce the material. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en
Keywords: ELSI, Ethics, Genetics, Human genomics, Trinidad and Tobago
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Cardiovascular Science
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Health Informatics
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1559927
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