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Reflections: Ann C. Macaulay Promoting Participatory Research by Family Physicians Ann Fam Med 2007; 5: 557-560 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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When the family doctor is the researcher: ensuring true consent of participating patients

Carol P Herbert   (19 February 2008)

When the family doctor is the researcher: ensuring true consent of participating patients 19 February 2008
Carol P Herbert, London, Canada Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario Send response to journal: Re: When the family doctor is the researcher: ensuring true consent of participating patients	Macaulay's article on Promoting Participatory Research by Family Physicians is an excellent summary of the principles of the approach as well as the challenges. I agree with the author that family doctors are well suited to encourage and to engage in participatory research projects in their communities of practice. However,her caution that patients must not be pressured into participating in research needs to be highlighted. It is preferable that consent be obtained by an individual other than the treating family physician since there is implied reciprocity in the patient-doctor relationship, i.e., 'I should participate in the research in exchange for the care provided by my family doctor'. Because of the powerful connection that exists between family doctors and their patients, it is especially important that the boundaries between care and research are respected, and made explicit. Competing interests:   None declared