Vulnerable populations in neuroscience nursing research

Patients with neuroscience problems offer a wealth of data that can be collected as part of a research study. However, these patients are vulnerable to misunderstanding research purposes and procedures. They are also at risk for feeling pressured to participate in a study if they think it will make them recover or survive. In many instances, these neuroscience problems are devastating and even life-threatening. Because of the vulnerability of these patients, it is the responsibility of the neuroscience nurse to care for and also protect these patients. Therefore, it is incumbent upon nursing personnel to protect these vulnerable patients when they participate in nursing research studies.