Confidentiality of study participants can be most effectively protected by which of the following?

Question

A) Avoiding the collection of any identifying information
B) Performing a risk/benefit assessment
C) Placing all identifying information on computer files rather than manual files
D) Obtaining informed consent from participants before the study

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
Study participants have the right to expect that any data they provide will be kept in strict confidence, and this right is most effectively protected by avoiding the collection of any identifying information. Placing identifying information in a computer file rather than in a manual file does not help protect patients' confidentiality, and may in fact increase the risk for a breach of confidentiality. Performing a risk/benefit assessment helps researchers minimize the risk that participants are exposed to, and obtaining informed consent ensures that participants are fully informed of the nature of the study and can make an informed decision as to whether to participate. Neither of these addresses confidentiality, however.