Ethical considerations for nurses undertaking research with a potentially vulnerable population with chronic kidney disease

This paper discusses the ethical issues that nurse researchers need to consider when undertaking research with a potentially vulnerable population of people who have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (KD). People with CKD may be considered vulnerable because, firstly, the presence of uraemia may impair their cognition which can affect decision0making and secondly, gate keeping by health professionals and/or family may affect their access to research participation. The purpose of identifying vulnerable populations is not to exclude them but to ensure that full consideration is given to allow their maximum participation within the requirements of ethical research. It is important that the process of recruitment is transparent and informed from the perspectives of the potential participant, the researcher and the health facility. This paper applies the principles of informed consent and vulnerability for those with CKD, using the ethical framework that underpins the National Health and Medical Research (NHMRC) National Statement (2007) of autonomy, beneficence/non-maleficence, social justice and respect and provides practical strategies to increase recruitment and retention.