Ethics in qualitative health research

Since the release of the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS), there has been a growing interest in research ethics concommitant with an increase in the use of qualitative design for health research. Qualitative studies present unique ethical problems that may be poorly understood by researchers and research ethics boards (REBs).

To describe the ethical problems in qualitative research, and to make recommendations that will help researchers develop ethical qualitative proposals, and help REBs review these proposals.

Review of literature and philosophical analysis.

Qualitative studies raise unique issues with respect to methods, protection from harm, informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality, all of which are central to the principles of the TCPS. The problems are partly inherent, as the design tends to emerge as the study proceeds, and the research question may change. Researchers and REBs must become more aware, through education and critical reflection, of the types of problems that might arise in these studies, and of the approaches that might be taken to minimize risk to participants.