Risk, Helsinki 2000 and the use of placebo in medical research
John Saunders and Paul Wainwright
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.3-5-435
Clin Med September 2003 John Saunders
Centre for Philosophy and Health Care, University of Wales, Swansea
MA MD FRCPPaul Wainwright
Centre for Philosophy and Health Care, University of Wales, Swansea
MA PhDAbstract
There has been vigorous debate over the use of placebo controls in clinical trials in human subjects where active treatments are already in widespread use. The debate has extended from the use of placebo controls in trials of products for AIDS in developing countries to the use of placebos in trials in conditions such as mild hypertension, asthma, depression, chronic stable angina etc. Some have argued that placebos can never be justified where an active treatment exists. By contrast, we believe that minor levels of risk are justified in healthcare research under defined conditions provided there is full information and consent. The opportunities for altruism in research should neither be exploited nor prevented.
- © 2003 Royal College of Physicians
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Risk, Helsinki 2000 and the use of placebo in medical research Clinical Medicine
John Saunders, Paul Wainwright
Clinical Medicine Sep 2003, 3 (5) 435-439; DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.3-5-435
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