Question

The Belmont Report, ( the ethical basis for human subject guidelines used at many colleges and universities). Summarize with 200 words.or as close to 200 words

Answer 1

THE BELMONT REPORT

The Belmont Report was established by the 'National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research'. It consists of the basic ethical principles that must be considered while conducting a Biomedical or a Behavioral research with human subjects. It also includes the guidelines which would ensure that such researches are conducted according to these ethical principles.

The commission considers the following principles:

- The boundaries between the Biomedical or the Behavioral Research with the acceptable and rountine practice

- The assessment of the risks and benefits in the appropriateness of the research

- The guidelines for the proper selection and participation of human subjects

- The informed consent in the research setting

The Belmont Report consists of 3 sections, including

PART A - Boundries between practice and research: In a research, the objectives are assessed through a procedural experimentation using samples and thus the results obtained is used to evaluate the hypothesis. The main purpose of a medical or a behavioral research is to provide a intervention, therapy, treatment, preventive measure or a diagnosis. But the researcher must be aware of the acceptable practice that could be conducted with the results that are obtained through his research. Not all the research findings could be applicable to the human subjects, thus this Belmont report provides guidelines that distinguished the boundaries between the research and its practice.

PART B - Basic Ethical Principles: Since these types of researches includes human subjects, there must be respect towards them. They must only volunteer with their own will and must not be forced to participate in the research. The participants must have beneficence, that is, they must not be harmed or injured, and must also have maximum benefits with minimal risks. They mus be treated with justice in terms of their share, which should be based on their needs, efforts, societal contributions and their merit.

PART C - Application: The consent of the person participating in the research is very essential. They must be informed regarding the procedures and what are expected from them in the research. They must also be explained regarding the costs and benefits of the research.

It is necessary to follow these ethical principles while conducting a Biomedical or a Behavioral research with human subjects because it ensures the safety and the protection of human beings. Any violations or misconduct in these principles would be taken in to legal considerations.