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Incidental Findings in Pediatric Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2021

Benjamin S. Wilfond  and
Katherine J. Carpenter
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Extract

Incidental research findings, as defined in this symposium’s consensus paper, are unexpected findings discovered in the course of research but “beyond the aims of the study.” These include findings generated by research methodology, such as imaging or genetic analysis, findings related to clinical screening for inclusion or exclusion, or direct observations of physical abnormalities or behavior. Decisions about managing incidental research findings involve important ethical considerations regarding a researcher’s obligations to provide care, minimize harms, and respect research participants’ wishes. When the research participant is a child, the triadic relationship between the researcher, child participant, and parent makes these considerations more complicated. (See Figure 1.)

Type
Symposium
Information
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics , Volume 36 , Issue 2 , Summer 2008 , pp. 332 - 340
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 2008

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