Constructing Sound and Reliable Ethical Guidelines for Prevention Science

Excerpt

Leadbeater and colleagues (2018) provide a vital service to prevention science in reporting on a methodical effort to identify and describe understanding of several integrity challenges that may arise in implementation of prevention of evidence-based programs (EBPs). The paper outlines key conflicts, emphasizes related potential ethical dilemmas, suggests important considerations, and in some cases, provides action guidance. The authors note that “this article serves as an educational resource for students, new and experienced investigators and Human Subjects Review Board members…” (p. 7a). As a thoughtful and carefully developed rendering about prominent challenges encountered as prevention scientists work on implementation, the paper locates those challenges within a professional responsibility framework. In particular, the authors emphasize how this type of work may have different requirements and uncertainties than descriptive and efficacy experimental prevention studies. The article is cast primarily from the perspective of encounters that may arise when an intervention developer begins working to spread the use of his/her developed program, with additional consideration of conflicts that might arise for those who might be engaged to consult on use of EBPs. …