Case 

Lesotho is a small developing country contained within South Africa. You and your team of academic researchers (10 in all) are spending the next two weeks traveling to different communities throughout Lesotho to test water sources for disease-causing pathogens. The testing you need to do is simple but requires significant assistance from the community – showing your team all the different locations where individuals get their water from, and places/methods for storing the water. You do not see the need to pay the community members, considering if someone asked you about your water source, you would not mind driving them up to the lake! The ultimate goal of the project is to understand the lifecycle and characteristics of a specific pathogen, which is found only in this region of Lesotho. Several publications are expected from this research study. A comprehensive profile of this pathogen can help in many ways including the development of chemical additives to make the water safe to drink. 

Facts:

1. Lesotho is a small developing country in South Africa
2. Testing the water for the disease-causing pathogen found only in Lesotho
3. Testing is simple but requires assistance from the community
4. Community members are solely volunteers in this research
5. Ultimate goal is to understand the lifecycle and characteristics of the pathogen

Stakeholders

1. Researchers
2. The community members
3. The local government authorities
4. The local scientific authorities
5. The Scientific company funding the research project

Motivation of Stakeholders

1. Researchers: To understand the lifecycle and characteristics of the pathogen
2. The community members: to have access to clean/safe water
3. The local government authorities: regulate water
4. The local scientific authorities: understand the pathogen more
5. The Scientific company funding the research project: to possibly publish studies on the pathogen

Is it ethical to conduct this research study? What will you do next?

Identifies ethical issue

 

Yes, it is ethical to conduct this research because it is not human subjects in question so no harm is being done to any humans or the environment, but rather the intention is to make the lives of the community members better through the provision of clean and safe drinking water. 

Compensating the community members who decide to take part in the research will be good. Not compensating them will have no effect on whether it is ethical or not.

 

Next steps:

1.Community engagement- Involve the community members so that they feel like they are a part of the process that will make them lead healthier lives.

2.Pay the people money for travel and their ‘time’

3.Active community engagement

 

Potential Solution: Researchers actively engage with the community, involve them in research design, and share benefits of the research.

 

Ethical Principle or Code: Respect for Autonomy, Beneficence, and Community Involvement.

 

Pros: Builds trust, ensures community input, empowers the community, aligns with ethical principles.

 

Cons: Requires additional time and effort in community engagement, may increase project complexity.

 

Approach 3: Long-Term Community Benefits

 

Potential Solution: Researchers commit to providing long-term benefits to the community based on research findings, such as improved water quality or healthcare services.

 

Ethical Principle or Code: Beneficence and Non-Maleficence.

Pros: Ensures lasting positive impact, addresses community needs, promotes sustainability.

Cons: May require ongoing support and resources, necessitates follow-up actions.

 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate.

 

Consult with ethics committees, research ethics guidelines, and experts in research ethics to ensure alignment with best practices.

 

Step 6: Select the best course of action.

 

The best course of action is Approach 2: Active Community Engagement.

 

Justification:

 

This approach respects the autonomy of the community by involving them in decision-making.

It aligns with the principles of justice and fairness by actively engaging with the community and ensuring they have a say in the research process.

It empowers the community and fosters trust, which can lead to more meaningful and ethical research outcomes.

It addresses the ethical concerns raised by the community’s involvement in the research.

 

Vis-a-vis Other Approaches:

 

While “Fair Compensation” (Approach 1) addresses the issue of compensation, it may not fully address the ethical concerns related to community engagement and empowerment.

“Long-Term Community Benefits” (Approach 3) is commendable, but it may not be immediately feasible or sustainable without active community involvement.

 

In conclusion, active community engagement (Approach 2) is the most ethical course of action in this scenario. It respects the community’s autonomy, promotes fairness, and empowers the community while addressing their concerns and ensuring meaningful participation in the research.

 

When conducting the research,what else should you think about?

1. Language barrier, there may not be terms for specific topics (or different terms)
2. Impact of your research. Positively or negatively
3. Community Engagement and Collaboration: Building trust and positive relationships with the local communities is crucial. 
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of and respect the local culture, customs, and traditions. Cultural sensitivity can play a significant role in the success of your research and the acceptance of your team within the communities.
5. Environmental Impact: Assess and minimize any environmental impact your research activities may have, such as waste disposal and the use of chemicals for water testing.
6. Long-Term Sustainability: Consider the long-term sustainability of your research efforts and how the findings can benefit the communities beyond the duration of your project. This could involve capacity building or knowledge sharing.
7. Community Health Education: Alongside your research, conduct health education programs within the communities to raise awareness about waterborne diseases and safe water practices. This can empower residents to take steps to protect their health.

 

      

 

Ethical Decision-Making Methodology 

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state the ethical issue. 

Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – Researchers, community members, funders,  those with a vested interest in the outcome 

Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders-

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using basic ethical core values as a guide 

Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action]

• Potential solution 
• Ethical Principle or code 
• Pros 
• Cons 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values. Explain reasoning and justify. Discuss your stance vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in the class