Background

The purpose of conducting research is to generate new knowledge. When evaluating the possible harms in relation to study benefits, risk of harm to an individual is considered in relation to societal benefits that come from the resulting research products or innovations. If the benefits of potential knowledge gained are appropriate given the related risks and mitigation of these possible harms, the research will move forward. Once a study is completed, it is important to share the results – both with the participants as well as with the larger community. For researchers, the larger community is typically the scientific community and is accomplished via publishing research in scientific journals. In this module, we argue a responsibility to go beyond the peer reviewed literature and take steps to make results accessible to those affected by the study findings. By sharing research results, we are demonstrating the ethical principal of respect. By making the results accessible across the broader public greater societal benefit can be realized.