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Table 3 Questions that can draw attention to distinctive ethical considerations of disaster research

From: Familiar ethical issues amplified: how members of research ethics committees describe ethical distinctions between disaster and non-disaster research

Justification

 • Will the proposed research increase our knowledge about how to improve humanitarian efforts during a disaster?

 • Could this question be answered in a non-disaster setting?

 • Could the research be delayed and still achieve its scientific objectives?

Vulnerability

 • Are the potential participants especially vulnerable because of the disaster?

 • How do different sources of vulnerability intersect because of the disaster setting?

 • Does the research team have the requisite experience and skills to carry out the research, including working with vulnerable populations?

 • How can the risk that the research procedures result in additional harms be minimized (e.g. concern for re-traumatizing participants)?

Safety

 • How will study data be secured and the identity of participants kept confidential in a potentially insecure or austere environment?

 • Are there safety risks for research participants and research staff particular to this disaster setting, and are there contingency plans in place?

Engagement

 • How can community engagement be optimized for this research?

 • Is it possible to partner with organizations that were already working in this setting prior to the current event?