Human Subject Review Standards and Procedures in International Research: Critical Ethical and Cultural Issues and Recommendations

Abstract

There is unprecedented and accelerated expansion in the field of psychology to the developing world spawning a need for evidence-based treatment and culturally sensitive models. Researchers with ties to the developing world are laboring to fill this void. However, scientific infrastructures are not readily available such as human subjects review process. The purpose of this article is to provide recommendations to human subjects review boards (HSRBs) evaluating international research. HSRBs are encouraged to consider differences between their philosophies and epistemologies and the targeted population. Informed consent, confidentiality, standard of care, autonomy, participants’ vulnerability, and procedures are not universal. Unique circumstances are presented that challenge the strict application of the Helsinki, Cochran, and Belmont reports. Suggestions are made for an HSRB to view the standard guidelines within the context and determine how ethical principles will be applied in the unique and difficult circumstances encountered in conducting applied research in the developing world.