<< Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Beneficence Clinical research protocols should be designed to maximize the benefits to an individual or to society while minimizing harm to the individual. But in research we do not know in advance all the harms that may occur, so we must monitor and stop the research should harms become significant in comparison to the benefits. We also do not know in advance to what extent the benefits greatly exceed the alternative so that the randomization must be stopped. Thus, the ethical decisions of data and safety monitoring boards regarding continuation of trials have become important elements of beneficence. << Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Chapter 2 Quick Links Research in Humans History of Rules About Research in Humans Definitions Federal Mandate Respect for Persons Beneficence Justice Common Rule IRB Mission Cases Bibliography Chapter 2 Download (PDF)