Rethinking vulnerable groups in clinical research

• DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2017.73
• Publication Date: 2017-11-27T03:52:47Z
• Authors: M. Finnegan; B. O’Donoghue
• Keywords: Inclusion–exclusion principle; Social Exclusion

Vulnerable groups are often excluded from clinical research on the basis of scientific, ethical and practical reasons. Although intended to protect vulnerable people maintain study integrity, exclusion through use standard criteria may not always be necessary result in findings that generalisable. Achieving a balance between competing needs make progress our understanding disorders their management requires reconsideration consent processes ensure appropriately represented research. Reasons for development broad include both concrete barriers intangible discouraging factors. This paper examines this situation its consequences, perceived real inclusion research, suggests methods overcoming these applying thoughtful criteria.