Dr. Preemie is conducting a research study of the prevalence and correlates of drug use in college students. Because of the sensitive nature of the research topic, Dr. Preemie promises her participants confidentiality. Each college student who participates completes a set of surveys and an interview about his or her lifestyle and drug use habits. One participant, Carrie, reveals that she engages in moderate to heavy drug use (i.e., drinks two to four alcoholic beverages each day, and smokes marijuana several times per week). During the interview, Carrie mentions that she's feeling nauseous. Concerned, Dr. Preemie asks, "Do you want to stop the interview and go to the campus medical center?" "No," Carrie replies, "It's just morning sickness. I'm pregnant." "Oh," says Dr. Preemie, who nods,

Question

and continues with the interview.Afterward, in her office, Dr. Preemie is torn and wonders to herself, "I'm worried about Carrie. Drugs and alcohol disrupt prenatal development, but I promised confidentiality. I can't tell anyone about this! Should I say something to Carrie? I'm supposed to be nonjudgmental! Intervening might keep other students from participating in my research, for fear that I'd break my promises. I don't know what to do."Consider Dr. Preemie's dueling obligations. As a researcher, is she is responsible to Carrie as a participant in her study? Is Dr. Preemie responsible to the developing fetus? Her institution? Do Dr. Preemie's actions have any ramifications for the other participants in her study? How might these responsibilities conflict?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Answer: We would need to know if Dr. Preemie had an agreement with the IRB that detailed what she would do if there was a risk involved in which a person revealed a pregnancy.  Dr. Preemie's IRB proposal should have stated whether or not the study would be conducted on the population of people at risk, and pregnant women are included in this population.  If she has an agreement, then she should follow the steps she outlined in her IRB proposal.  If she does not have an agreement, she needs to exempt Carrie as a participant in the research study.  Yes, Dr. Preemie has responsibility to the developing fetus.  Her actions may have ramifications if others become pregnant or are not revealing their pregnancies.