Dear Editor
Kraft et al (January 28th 2023) argue that respect and reciprocity for research participants’ contributions to society will improve recruitment to medical studies. They call for clearer guidance and emphasis on respect in research training programmes.
Registered health care professionals with roles as principal investigators, data collectors and research mangers are bound to uphold codes of professional conduct related to their profession. These codes emphasise the importance of respecting and prioritising people. Any guidance and policy developed to ensure respect for research participants and equitable sharing of the products of research should draw on the values promoted by these codes.
More research on the public perception of respect and reciprocity in medical research across all disease areas and health care settings is needed to provide a deeper understanding of these ethical principles and their impact on recruitment and retention.
Re: Better recognition for research participants: what society should learn from covid-19