Publishing complications and patient safety

What is this about?

This is a factual but anonymised question to COPE forum. A doctor and editor of a medical journal would like to publish a series of cases of unsuccessful medical treatments in order to improve knowledge and future practice. S/he proposes anonymization of the actors involved (both patients and their doctors/therapists) as well as removal of possible demographics identification variables (age, gender etc). However, the written consent of those involved (patients and doctors/therapists) might be missing. Would that violate COPE guidelines?

Why is this important?

There are several quick messages emerging here. An underlying implicit message is that even with the best intentions in mind, one may be in danger of unwillingly performing ethics misconduct.

Second, when unsure, once can ask for clarification of the best research ethics practices from the relevant institutions (in this case, COPE).

Third, the primary aim of this requested publication of cases is to inform future medical practice, and therefore, and provide an educational resource for trainees and practicing doctors. In answering, COPE provides ideas of ways to deal with this dilemma; several issues are considered in terms of privacy, stakes to be protected and legalities.

Finally, different countries might have different regulations, guidelines and practices for ethics in research, as well as different legal environments and systems when patient safety concerns are involved.

For whom is this important?

Research Ethics CommitteesResearch Integrity OfficersResearch integrity trainersClinical ethics consultantsEthics committee membersJournal editorsresearch integrity researchersmedical researchers

Other information

Virtues & Values

Good Practices & Misconduct