Research without prior consent in perinatal care: Can ethical research principles be maintained?

Informed consent is the primary tool used to build ethical research that respects autonomy and manages risk in the pursuit of the good. Research in perinatal settings poses a number of challenges. Not only is it impossible for infants to consent, but there are serious questions about the possibility of adequately informing and obtaining consent from parents when the circumstances that make them eligible for participation in research happen in a short time frame under critical conditions or research protocols are set up across systems rather than individuals. This is further exacerbated by the potential conflict that emerges when treating doctors are also recruiting researchers.

This webinar explores the state of the question through the lens of a case study and considers ways forward to ensure good research is done in an ethically commendable way.

Moderator: Professor Lynn Gillam, Academic Director, Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne

Panel:

• Sophie Gatenby, Research Ethics Manager, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne

• Dr Amir Zayegh, Consultant Neonatologist, Women's Newborn Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne.

• Professor David Kirchhoffer, Director, Queensland Bioethics Centre, ACU

Cost:

• $10 for PSANZ members, students & consumers

• $15 for non-members