Ethical issues pertaining to research in the aftermath of disaster.

In January 2003, The New York Academy of Medicine and the National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a meeting entitled "Ethical Issues Pertaining to Research in the Aftermath of Disaster." The purpose of the meeting was to bring together various experts to examine evidence concerning the impact of research on trauma-exposed participants, review the applicable ethical principles and policies concerning protection of human subjects, and offer guidance to investigators, IRBs, public health and local officials, and others interested in assuring that research in the aftermath of a disaster is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. This article summarizes the group's key findings and outlines potential considerations for those working in this field.