Question

A research group is conducting an investigational drug study on a promising new drug for osteoporosis. It has been difficult to find research participants who meet the criteria. Just before the conclusion of the study, four participants approach the researchers and express their desire to withdraw from the study. What is the researcher's priority intervention?

Answer 1

Researchers must respect the autonomy and voluntary participation of individuals wishing to withdraw from a drug study by following ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent, and safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority intervention for researchers when participants express their desire to withdraw from an osteoporosis drug study is to ensure that all ethical guidelines are followed, which includes respecting participants' right to autonomy and their voluntary participation. It is essential that researchers maintain the safety and informed consent of the study participants, even when facing high attrition rates. Furthermore, the research group must continue to verify that the remaining participant sample still represents the larger population and make necessary adjustments. Findings should still be analyzed with obligations towards beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice intact, in addition to addressing concerns such as confidentiality and the fair selection of research participants. The researchers should also consider the potential ethical dilemmas, such as informed consent and the communication of risks and benefits associated with the study.