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Synopsis
An overview of the key debates in biomedical research ethics, presented through a wide-ranging selection of case studies.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Marjorie A Cage, PhD(Medical College of Wisconsin)
Description:This is a comprehensive and intriguing set of case studies in biomedical research ethics that spans both topics and history. The study questions following each case study are sure to engage the reader in discerning the ethical fine points.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a textbook in biomedical research ethics which develops important concepts and stimulates debate. The goal is a worthy one and the author succeeds in holding the reader's interest and scrutiny.
Audience:The book is written for students of ethics, but I think experienced practitioners in the human research protection field will find the case studies a rich source for thought and discussion. The author has written other books on research ethics, has been a visiting scholar with the AMA, and is currently a professor of philosophy at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. He is well qualified in this subject matter.
Features:The book addresses ethical concerns in all areas of research, ranging from study design to informed consent and the selection of subjects to conflicts of interest and the use of animals. The breadth and depth of the topics is a reflection of an author who knows his topic and can present the material in an engaging and creative manner. A short glossary is followed by both an alphabetical and categorical listing of the case studies. Along with the very detailed index, a reader can easily find a topic or reference. The only shortcoming is in the chapter on informed consent, where the author fails to explore common strategies and techniques for eliciting truly informed consent.
Assessment:This is an outstanding book on biomedical research ethics. It is of great utility in the classroom and as a standard reference for those in the field of research ethics.