Vulnerable research participants: anyone may qualify
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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
1Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Although the Code of Federal Regulations has provided guidelines regarding research involving vulnerable participants, persons not traditionally identified may also be considered vulnerable at a given time due to emergent or acute illness, end-of-life needs, or circumstances encountered that challenge capacity to provide informed consent. In this column, the author presents an overview of institutional review board roles, responsibilities, processes, and suggestions regarding assessment of vulnerability and capacity to consent that is responsive to current societal and healthcare needs.
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