What research component should be avoided in a study on the efficacy of a drug to reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease with a placebo group?

Research Ethics: Component to Avoid in Ischemic Heart Disease Drug Efficacy Study

Plagiarism (Option B) is the research component that should be avoided in this study, as it represents a fundamental ethical violation that undermines scientific integrity and is universally prohibited in all research contexts.

Understanding the Question Context

This question addresses research ethics in the design of a placebo-controlled drug efficacy trial for ischemic heart disease prevention with 1,200 participants. The question asks which component should be avoided (i.e., which represents unethical or inappropriate practice).

Analysis of Each Option

Option A: Confidentiality - REQUIRED, Not Avoided

• Confidentiality must be maintained in all clinical research involving human subjects 1
• Patient privacy protection is a fundamental ethical requirement in cardiovascular trials 1
• Violating confidentiality would constitute serious ethical misconduct

Option B: Plagiarism - MUST BE AVOIDED ✓

• Plagiarism represents academic dishonesty and scientific misconduct that must be avoided 1
• The Basic Research in Cardiology guidelines explicitly address "Compliance with ethical standards" and proper attribution requirements 1
• Plagiarism undermines the integrity of the entire research process
• Proper citation and acknowledgment of sources is mandatory in all research publications 1

Option C: Writing Thesis - APPROPRIATE Activity

• Writing and publishing research findings is an essential component of scientific research 1
• Dissemination of results through thesis writing contributes to medical knowledge
• This is a legitimate and necessary research activity

Option D: Research Technique - ESSENTIAL Component

• Proper research methodology is fundamental to valid clinical trials 1
• Standardized research techniques ensure reproducibility and rigor 1
• The guidelines emphasize the importance of proper study design, randomization, and outcome measurement 1

Key Ethical Principles in Cardiovascular Research

Required Elements (Not to be Avoided):

• Proper randomization and adequate statistical power to ensure valid results 1
• Independent event validation committees for primary endpoints 1
• Standardized outcome measures including cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, troponin) and clinical endpoints (MACCE, mortality) 1
• Transparent reporting of conflicts of interest and funding sources 1

Prohibited Practices (Must be Avoided):

• Plagiarism and failure to provide proper attribution 1
• Breach of patient confidentiality
• Fabrication or falsification of data
• Failure to obtain informed consent

Clinical Trial Design Considerations

For a study evaluating drug efficacy in reducing ischemic heart disease risk with 1,200 participants and placebo control 1:

• Proper blinding and randomization are essential methodological requirements 1
• Standardization of concomitant medications should be considered, with stratification if complete standardization is not feasible 1
• Adequate follow-up duration (typically 12 months) for cardiovascular endpoints 1
• Clear documentation of all procedures, avoiding any form of plagiarism in protocol development or reporting 1