This is an excellent book, useful for anyone who is interested in research ethics or would like to learn more about how to do research in an ethical way. Much of the material can be generalised to all clinical research, as well as being useful to those interested specifically in mental health research. The book is, however, based upon, and refers almost exclusively to, regulatory procedures, guidance and practice in the US.
The first three chapters describe and justify DuBois' approach and the remaining seven explore central issues, amply illustrated with case studies centred on mental health. The first part should be read in its entirety before dipping into the second part, if the book can't be read from cover to cover.
DuBois adopts a modified version of the ‘four principles’ approach: ‘the four principles humanised’ (for instance, beneficence becomes ‘respect for persons as finite and in need of goods’ (p. 32)). To these he adds a fifth principle of ‘relationality’. This principle, he says, ‘reminds us that in order to flourish, actions must respect the relationships that an individual is in or should be in’ (p. 34). This permits (and encourages) respect for cultural and other differences. Fortunately, DuBois is not vague as a result – when discussing his numerous case studies, he reaches firm conclusions and is unafraid to state that pursuing one option over another would be wrong, even in some quite controversial areas. His views are clearly reasoned and justified, a model of how to write for a non-philosophical audience without losing philosophical rigour.
Coverage is comprehensive. The variety of the case studies allows the author to skilfully weave most of the important issues into the second part of the book. The referencing is thorough and DuBois supports his philosophical views with evidence (unsurprising, given that he adopts the ‘stakeholders, facts, norms and options’ analysis approach to cases).
This is a book all new clinical researchers should buy (not just those working in mental health).
eLetters
No eLetters have been published for this article.