There is a need for ethics review committees to improve oversight capacity for big data research, the authors of a recent paper argued. Researchers assessed the weaknesses of ethics review committees, some of which are not specific to big data research but could be exacerbated by it, and some that are specific to big data research.

Delayed study startup times obstruct the enrollment process for prospective participants in clinical trials with a therapeutic intent. That is an ethical concern. Delays in IRB approval hinder enrollment, data collection and analysis, and submissions to regulatory oversight agencies. It takes longer to learn if new therapies are effective and safe. Updated product labeling and product approvals are held up. This delays the opportunity for individuals and society at large to benefit from research.

Translations, interpretation services, and other necessary accommodations for non-English speakers need to be built into study budgets

The field of brain research sounds a lot like science fiction, but human neural organoids, human neural transplants, and human-animal chimeras all are imminent realities. IRBs are going to be facing some difficult decisions on whether this research can proceed. The authors of a recent report examined these issues.

Every day, hospital case managers must make decisions — large and small — that affect the lives of their patients. Some of these are ethical decisions — what the case manager “ought” to do in a given situation. Since many decisions must be made quickly, hospital case managers should consider their ethics and plan ahead rather than reacting solely in the moment.