Primary Ethical Error in Online NSAID Research
The primary ethical error in this e-research study is the inability to properly monitor and verify the informed consent process (Option C), which represents a fundamental breach of research ethics principles in online health research. 1, 2
Why Informed Consent Monitoring is the Critical Issue
The online interview format creates insurmountable barriers to ensuring valid informed consent:
Only 0.8% (1 out of 119) of online health studies actually sought informed consent from participants, demonstrating widespread failure in this fundamental ethical requirement 3, 1
The online format makes it impossible to verify participant identity, comprehension of risks, or voluntary participation - all essential elements of valid informed consent 1
73.9% of online health studies made no mention of ethical considerations, and only 12.6% sought IRB review, highlighting systematic neglect of consent processes in e-research 3, 2
Why Other Options Are Secondary Concerns
Privacy (Option A) - Important but Manageable
- While 27.7% of online health studies contained identifying information, privacy can be technically protected through anonymization and data security measures 3, 1
- Privacy concerns exist but are secondary to the fundamental consent violation 1
Information Accuracy (Option B) - Methodological, Not Ethical
- Data collection accuracy is a methodological consideration rather than a primary ethical violation 2
- While online interviews may have limitations, this doesn't constitute an ethical error per se 2
Participant Withdrawal (Option D) - Technically Feasible
- Participants can exit online interviews at any time by closing their browser or disconnecting 3
- This is actually easier in online formats than in-person settings 3
The Consent Crisis in E-Research
Researchers often incorrectly assume online platforms constitute "public space" and therefore don't require traditional consent processes - this is ethically problematic, especially when studying vulnerable populations like gastritis patients 3, 1, 2
Specific Consent Failures in Online Research:
- Cannot verify participant comprehension of study risks, particularly relevant for gastritis patients being exposed to different NSAIDs 1, 4
- Cannot ensure voluntary participation without coercion or undue influence 1
- Cannot confirm participant capacity to provide informed consent 1, 4
- Cannot monitor for concerning symptoms during data collection, critical when studying NSAID effects in gastritis patients 2
Critical Pitfall for This Study
For gastritis patients comparing two NSAIDs, the inability to monitor informed consent is particularly dangerous because:
- Patients may not fully understand the risks of NSAID-induced gastric damage 5, 6
- There's no way to verify they comprehend potential complications like erosions, ulcers, or hemorrhagic events 2, 6
- No mechanism exists to ensure patients know they can withdraw if symptoms worsen 2
The correct answer is C: Informed consent cannot be monitored.