Ethics in Geriatric Research

Abstract

As the need for more information on age-related clinical pharmacology grows, there will be an increased emphasis on research involving elderly individuals. Ethical concerns surrounding the protection of elderly research subjects is increasingly a topic of debate. The increased vulnerability of institutionalized elderly, recruitment and retention of elderly subjects, and informed consent are important issues that affect the conduct of research in this population. Investigators should be aware of the special problems associated with research in the older population and be prepared to deal with these before embarking on a research project. This article provides the pharmacy practitioner with an introduction to the basic ethical principles relating to the conduct of research involving the elderly and gives an overview of some of the important problems that may be encountered. Issues such as autonomy, competence, informed consent, proxy, and rights of privacy are outlined. Circumstances in which elderly patients are deserving of special protections when participating in a research project are discussed and potential guidelines for addressing the unique problems surrounding research in the elderly are offered.