Benefit--a neglected aspect of health research ethics

In research ethics, provision of potential benefits to study participants is linked to the principles of beneficence and distributive justice. However, in most research ethical codes the notion of benefit is only superficially elaborated which is extended in vague and general benefit assessments in research proposals and in Research Ethical Committee's (REC) recommendations. The issue gains additional importance in collaborative projects where researchers, study populations and donors from both developing and developed countries are involved. We introduce a checklist for planning and assessment of benefits as part of research ethics and suggest as a first step in unfolding the concept of benefits that research project and RECs as a minimum should address who (the target groups), when (the period of time during which the services are planned to be rendered) and what (the nature of the benefits).