A Web-Based Platform for Educating Researchers About Bioethics and Biobanking

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Public Health
• Genomics

Background:

• Biobanking is crucial for understanding hereditary cancer and minority health.
• Gaps exist in researcher knowledge regarding ethical concerns of vulnerable populations in biobanking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a web-based curriculum addressing ethical concerns in biobanking for individuals with familial risk for hereditary cancer (IFRs) and underserved/minority populations.

Main Methods:

• Formative research and expert panel assessments informed curriculum development.
• Researchers evaluated curriculum clarity and content; public health graduate students pilot-tested its effectiveness.
• A systematic, integrative approach was used for curriculum and website creation.

Main Results:

• All 14 researchers found the curriculum easy to understand, relevant, and well-assessed.
• 77% of 22 pilot-testing graduate students demonstrated improved test scores after curriculum completion.
• Dialogue animations were rated as interesting and valuable by most participants.

Conclusions:

• A web-based curriculum is an acceptable and effective method for educating researchers on biobanking ethics for vulnerable groups.
• Future work will focus on integrating the curriculum with larger organizations to broaden its reach.