Ethical considerations for researchers developing and testing minimal-risk devices

• Published in: Nature communications Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 2325 - 5
• Main Authors: Wexler, Anna, Largent, Emily
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 22.04.2023; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 639/166; 639/301/1005; 706/648/179; 706/648/264; 706/648/453; Comment; Committees; Compliance; Confidentiality; Ethics; Funding; Human subjects; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Medical research; multidisciplinary; Research design; Research ethics; Research Personnel; Researchers; Risk; Risk levels; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Sensors; Wearable computers
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38068-6

This comment provides an overview of ethical considerations for researchers developing and testing minimal-risk devices that interact or interface with people, such as electronic wearables and biomedical sensors. We outline the process of independent review, emphasizing that research can undergo different levels of review depending on its design and risk level. Using scenarios drawn from our own experience, we outline salient ethical considerations for research with such minimal-risk devices. This comment explores ethical aspects in developing and testing minimal-risk devices, such as wearables and biomedical sensors. Authors outline the process of independent review, emphasizing the different levels of review depending on the research design and risk level. They also share examples of practical scenarios, highlighting key ethical considerations.