A G Verstraete1, R H Vander Stichele, L H Deliens. 1. Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. alain.verstraete@rug.ac.be
Abstract
PURPOSE: To illustrate the ethical issues faced in pharmacoepidemiological research in Belgium. METHODS: The experience with three studies is described. The studies concern the use of drugs for euthanasia in medical practice, cytomegalovirus infection in single solid organ transplants and a comparison of benzodiazepine use in the general population and in acute self-poisoning. RESULTS: With some creativity, it was possible to meet the requirements of the ethics committees and the law on computer databases, e.g. by bringing data validation closer to the data entry process, by assuring anonymity in mailing procedures, or by deleting identification labels as soon as they are no longer necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The existing juridical vacuum has not really impeded pharmacoepidemiological research.
PURPOSE: To illustrate the ethical issues faced in pharmacoepidemiological research in Belgium. METHODS: The experience with three studies is described. The studies concern the use of drugs for euthanasia in medical practice, cytomegalovirus infection in single solid organ transplants and a comparison of benzodiazepine use in the general population and in acute self-poisoning. RESULTS: With some creativity, it was possible to meet the requirements of the ethics committees and the law on computer databases, e.g. by bringing data validation closer to the data entry process, by assuring anonymity in mailing procedures, or by deleting identification labels as soon as they are no longer necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The existing juridical vacuum has not really impeded pharmacoepidemiological research.
Authors: Veerle Provoost; Filip Cools; Johan Bilsen; José Ramet; Peter Deconinck; Robert Vander Stichele; Anne Vande Velde; Inge Van Herreweghe; Freddy Mortier; Yvan Vandenplas; Luc Deliens Journal: Intensive Care Med Date: 2005-11-15 Impact factor: 17.440