Concept↦Ethics and Laws↦Research Integrity↦Participant Protection
What is it? Why is it important?
The protection of study participants should be guaranteed at all times:
- Studies can only be carried out if equivalent findings cannot be obtained through other means
- The risk-benefit ratio must be favourable, as risks and burdens must not be disproportionate to the expected benefits
- Studies must be socially valuable, where the answer is important enough to justify some risks or inconveniences to study participants
- Participant selection must be fair and unbiased
- Special protection must be given to vulnerable population groups (e.g. children, emergency situations, pregnant women)
- Studies must undergo an independent review by the Ethics Committee (EC) (e.g. EC aims to protect participant safety and rights)
More
Based on scientific requirements, the study methodology must be rigorous, with its design able to provide one or more understandable answers.
Participants cannot be remunerated for their participation in a study. However, compensation for time and travel expenses can be given.
What do I need to do?
As a SP-INV or Site-INV, you are responsible for the protection, safety and well-being of your study participants.
Example 1: External safety information requires an urgent interruption of the study, and an evaluation of its ongoing safety (e.g. safety assessment). As participant protection has first priority at all times, the Site-INV immediately interrupts the study and implements control-measures.
Example 2: A study performed in an emergency situation requires the postponement of the participant’s consent. Consent is obtained at a later time point when the participant is able to express his/her will. If the participant refuses consent and as a consequence study participation, all collected study data and/or biological material is destroyed.
When working on the design and feasibility-assessment of your study, ensure to identify and comply with all applicable legal requirements (e.g. HRA, ClinO, ClinO-MD, HRO, ISO)
Where can I get help?
Your local CTU↧ can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic
Basel, Departement Klinische Forschung, CTU, dkf.unibas.ch
Lugano, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU-EOC, www.ctueoc.ch
Bern, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.ctu.unibe.ch
Geneva, Clinical Research Center, CRC, crc.hug.ch
Lausanne, Clinical Research Center, CRC, www.chuv.ch
St. Gallen, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.kssg.ch
Zürich, Clinical Trials Center, CTC, www.usz.ch
References
ISO 14155:2020 Medical devices (access liable to costs) – see in particular sections and annexes
- 5.8 Informed consent
- 5.7 Vulnerable populations
- 6.2 Risk management
- 7.4 Risk assessment for potentially unacceptable risks
- Annex B Investigator’s brochure
- Annex H Application of ISO 14971 to clinical investigations
- Annex G EC responsibilities
SAMS handbook Research with human subjects – see in particular chapters
- Chapter 4 Scientific requirements
- Chapter 5 Selection of study participants
- Chapter 6 Assessment of risk and benefits
- Chapter 7 Independent review by EC
- Chapter 8 Information and consent
- Chapter 9 Respect of participants
MDR 2017-745 – see in particular articles
- Art. 64-68 Clinical investigation on incapacitated subjects / minors/ pregnant or breastfeeding women / in emergency situation
Swiss Law
HRA – see in particular articles
- Art. 6 Non-discrimination
- Art. 7 Consent
- Art. 8 Right to information
- Art. 11 Subsidiarity
- Art. 12 Risks and burdens
- Art. 13 Placebo
- Art. 14 Gratuitousness
- Art. 16 Informed consent
- Art. 21-24 Involvement of persons lacking capacity
ClinO – see in particular articles
- Art. 5 Rules of Good Clinical Practice
- Art. 7 Information
- Art. 9 Consequences of revocation of consent
- Art. 15 Post hoc consent
ClinO-MD – see in particular
- Art 3, b Applicable provisions
- Art. 15 Modifications
HRO - see in particular articles
- Art. 8 Information
- Art. 9 Exceptions to the written form
- Art. 10 Consequences of Revocation of Consent