<< Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Appropriate Risk to Benefit Ratio (page 1 of 3) Risk is defined as the probability of physical, psychological, social, or economic harm occurring as a result of participation in a research study. Both the probability and magnitude of possible harm in human research may vary from minimal to considerable. The federal regulations define only "minimal risk." Minimal risk exists where the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the proposed research are not greater, in and of themselves, than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests. [45 CFR 46.102(i)] Risk above this standard is more than minimal (moderate, maximal) and that imposes limitations on the conduct of the research and increases the requirements for monitoring. It also requires more stringent approval processes when studying children or otherwise vulnerable populations. Increased risk should be accompanied by the probability of appropriately increased benefits. Benefit applies to the potential of the research treatment to ameliorate a condition or treat a disease. This can apply to an individual participant or to a population. In research as in clinical medicine, results cannot be guaranteed but, as a consequence of prior work, a benefit may appear to be a reasonable expectation. Since this is research, an advantage for the treatment groups cannot be presupposed. Since the risks have not been fully evaluated, a statement of individual benefit should be made most cautiously if at all. The investigator should always distinguish between research and treatment and never lure the patient into participating in hopes of remission or cure. A main role of IRBs is to determine the risk versus benefit ratio for clinical studies. They must make sure that the physical risk is not disproportionate to the benefits. When the physical risk is minimal they must determine that psychological and social risks such as stigma are not important. It is not ethical to conduct a study in which an individual or a group is labeled so as to be stigmatized or to be made less employable or insurable. << Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Chapter 3 Quick Links Ethics and Study Design Introductory Ethics Design Appropriate Risk to Benefit Ratio Selection of Subject Populations Cases Bibliography Chapter 3 Download (PDF)