Ethical dilemmas in nonclinical, health research from a UK perspective

This article examines the ethical dilemmas faced by professional and academ ic researchers in the health field who undertake nonclinical or social rese arch among patients or staff. The experiences of health researchers and hea lth professionals in the UK are directly relevant to those undertaking simi lar health-related research in other parts of the world at a time when nonc linical research in health care is becoming widespread in all countries and cultures. This article addresses ethical dilemmas as they relate to resear chers' ability to maintain confidentiality, their commitment to the welfare of respondents, and the tensions that arise from undertaking research for an employer. In addition, the danger of conducting covert research inadvert ently may present unexpected ethical problems, which are discussed. Althoug h it is impossible to provide a policy document to address all ethical dile mmas, this article does attempt to address the question of how best to appr oach health-related research in order to minimize the possibility of runnin g into ethical problems at a later stage.