The Concept of Informed Consent - Essay Example

This paper analyzes the manner in which the theoretical frameworks of naturalism and constructivism play a role in explaining the concept of informed consent. Informed consent refers to a process whereby permission is granted, despite having knowledge on the possible consequences of granting such kind of permission1. On most occasions, informed consent normally applies in the health care field. For example, informed consent can be given by a patient, to a medical doctor, with full knowledge of the benefits and risks associated with granting such kind of permission. It is important to understand that informed consent is always given, before the commencement of a medical or health care treatment. Normally, informed consent is always followed, for purposes of following ethics that regulate the profession under consideration. It is difficult to understand this concept of informed consent, without the analysis of various theoretical frameworks. Naturalism and constructivism are the best theoretical frameworks that can be used for purposes of analyzing this concept of informed consent. Naturalistic observation is normally used for purposes of studying the behavior of an individual in a natural set up. Under this type of observation, the parties to the research are not always aware that they are being observed or studies. Based on this fact, they cannot give their free and informed consent. Furthermore, this concept of naturalistic observation normally breaches the privacy of individuals, hence it is unethical practice2. Constructivism is a theoretical framework of knowledge. It explains that human beings are able to generate meaning and knowledge because of the interactions between their ideas and experiences. Based on these facts, when an individual seeks to give out an informed consent, then they are giving it, based on rationality, and knowledge. This means that they are well aware on the reasons they are giving out the permission, and the consequences that would arise, by giving out the permission. One of the major characteristic of naturalism is that it is scientific in nature. It emanates from the fact that anything which is real, must come from nature. Nature is viewed as actions, forces and objects which give up their secrets to an objective scientific inquiry3. The naturalistic view of mankind is depicted as that of animals, living in the natural world, and responding to internal stresses, environmental forces, and drives. Human beings cannot understand and control these natural forces. In any research carried out through the principles of naturalism, and they involve human subjects, it is mandatory for the researcher to obtain informed consent from the participants of the research. This is an ethical procedure, and chances are high that the researcher will manage to make the results of his research to be valid, and acceptable, amongst the various stakeholders. Under natural observation, free consent normally begins with an initial contact, of the subject of research, and it goes, all the way to the end of this research. However, it is important to explain that consent is not always required for governments, or cooperation that are engaged in carrying out a research, about their capability and effectiveness. However, people who are approached and requested to participate in this type of research, have a right to provide their free and informed consent4. Furthermore, they should have information regarding the perceptions and views of the authorities of an organization. Furthermore, they should be aware of the possible consequences, for participating or giving out their views in this research. Based on this fact, it is important for researchers to be confidential. Furthermore, it is important to explain that organizations and private corporations have the right, to refuse collaborating with researchers, who are involved, in this process of natural observation. This is by denying them records or an access to important facilities that can help in this research. However, it is not mandatory to approach these organizations for consent. However, when it involves human beings, this consent has to be sought. In some natural observance research, some subjects may be told in advance about the task at hand, and they would receive additional information as part and parcel of the consent process5. It is important to understand that there is a dilemma, under the naturalistic process, when the researchers seek for the informed consent of their population. This is because under this type of research, research has to be conducted in a natural set up. Informing the participants, about this process would undermine, this concept of natural, and hence, the results of the process may be stage managed. On the other hand, failure to seek, permission from human participants is unethical, and it would compromise the results of the research. For example, a record that a researcher took, without informing the participant, can be challenged in a civil court, as a breach of privacy. It is therefore important to denote that it is difficult to apply the principles of naturalism, with the elements of informed consent. This is because the results of the research or issue under consideration will be stage managed. Therefore, medical practitioners normally find it difficult to carry out a natural observation research, without obtaining the consent of their participants. This means that, the results of any medical research, obtained through this method, may be stage managed, and hence a proper and accurate solution may not be obtained. This is one of the major reasons scientists normally use animals, during this process of research6. On most occasions, the animals used are apes or monkeys, and they are observed from a natural perspective, and this is because no consent is required to use them. Most successful research has always began through the natural observation of animals. It is only after the success of their experiments, that the scientists would now begin using mankind in their research. Of course, they must obtain their consent, before embarking on any type of research. Constructivism on the other hand is a theoretical framework of epistemology or knowledge, and it argues that people have the capability of generating knowledge and meaning through the process of interaction between their various experiences, and ideas that they have in mind. Jean Piaget, the main proponent of this theory denoted that the main method of learning, by students, is the fact that knowledge is internalized by them. This occurs through the process of assimilation and accommodation, whereby an individual would acquire new knowledge, through a construction of their past experiences. Assimilation refers to the incorporation of new experiences, to the ones that already exist, and this is without changing their frameworks. This normally occurs, when the experiences of an individual, aligns with their internal view of the world. Assimilation may also occur when there is a failure, on the part of an individual to change an understanding that is faulty, and not up to date. For example, a person may not notice a given event, or, they may misunderstand input that emanates from other people, or they may decide that an event is fake. When they internalize these concepts, then they would acquire new knowledge. One of the major elements of this process of informed consent lies on the fact that a patient or an individual must have the capacity and capability of understanding the information presented, and thereafter, he or she should be able to form a reasonable and good judgment, based on the potential consequences of the decision they would make. It is virtually impossible for an individual to make such kind of a decision, if he or she does not understand what the results of her actions would entail. However, through the process of assimilation, an individual may acquire this understanding, by appealing to their past experiences7. However, there is a common misconception that instructors should not directly approach their learners, through information. Knowledge should only be implied, and it is the duty of the learner to construct the knowledge under consideration. However, this may not be applicable in the medical field, mainly because the learner might fail to construct knowledge in an accurate manner. Therefore, the permission a patient may give; may not be based upon the principles governing the notion of informed consent. This is because of the misunderstanding of the impact of the decision that he or she has made. Another important principle of constructivism is an aspect referred to as accommodation. Accommodation refers to the process of reframing the mental representation of an individual, for purposes of fitting their new experiences. This is an aspect whereby failure, is an acceptable process, and its end result would amount to learning. This is because when acting on the expectation that the world normally operates in a manner that is a violation of our expectations, then failure emanates. However, accommodating these new experiences, would amount to the process of learning. In a medical set up, patients would always want to make a decision based on their understanding of an issue8. They would be reluctant to make a medical decision, because of the chances of failure. In medicine, failure would amount to the destruction of an individual’s health, and this is not an aspect that is welcomed. Therefore, by relying on the process of accommodation, a patient will be reluctant to make a decision; hence the process of treatment may stall. Kabinsen Titanji talks extensively on the need of protecting people who are subjects of research. This is by following the ethical procedures in regard to convincing them to grant permission so that they may be used as subjects of research. One of the major limitations identified by Titanji, on informed consent is that scientists do not put into details the reasons of their research, informing the participants on the process of the research, the drugs used, and the purpose of using the drugs under consideration. This is a very unethical situation, and it is against the principles of informed consent. For example, after the trials of Celine, she was unable to know the kind and composition of drugs that she was using9. Under the principles of informed consent, all these should be highlighted to the participant. This is mainly because the patient has to be aware of what the trials entail and the type of drugs they are using. This would enable the participant to be aware of the consequences of taking the drugs under consideration. Based on this fact, I would propose that before any research is carried out; there is a need of the researcher to highlight to the population of study, the reasons of the research, the kind of process that the researchers would use the kind of drugs that would be used in these trials. Furthermore, it is necessary for the researcher to explain to the population of the study, the impact that these drugs will have on the population10. This is for purposes of enabling the population of the study, to know the consequences of their actions, in cases where they have signed the document, authorizing an experiment on them. Furthermore, there is a need of using case studies, while seeking the consent of the participants. This is because most of them are ignorant of the medical process, and hence the use of case studies will help and enable them learn on the expected consequences of their permission. This is a view that is supported by the use of constructivism theory. This theory advocates for learning by experience. Conclusion: Informed consent is an ethical process that medical practitioners must undertake, when carrying out a research on a human subject or population. This means that they have to acquire permission on the patient, while seeking to study him or her. While acquiring this permission, a patient has to act on a point of knowledge, knowing the consequences of granting such kind of permission. Scientists engaged in natural theory, normally find it difficult to obtain informed consent on an individual, mainly because it would compromise their research. On this basis, most of these scientists normally prefer to use animals, as subjects of their research. Constructivism theory on the other hand supports this notion of informed consent. This is because participants are allowed to learn on the consequences of their actions, and they are taken through the process of understanding the procedure under consideration. Bibliography: Hollis, Martin. Philosophy of Social Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. Top of Form Bottom of Form Jonathon, Moses, and Torbjørn Knutsen. Ways of Knowing: Competing Methodologies in Social and Political Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. Top of Form Bottom of Form Ted, Benton, and Ian Craib. Philosophy of Social Science: The Philosophical Foundations of Social Thought. 2001. Read More