Ethical challenges in designing and conducting medicine quality surveys

ObjectivesIn this paper we discuss the main ethical challenges related to the conduct of medicine quality surveys and make suggestions on how to address them. MethodMost evidence-based information regarding medicine quality derives from surveys. However, existing research ethical guidelines do not provide specific guidance for medicine quality surveys. Hence, those conducting surveys are often left wondering how to judge what counts as best practice. A list of the main ethical challenges in the design and conduct of surveys is presented. Results and conclusionsIt is vital that the design and conduct of medicine quality surveys uphold moral and ethical obligations and analyse the ethical implications and consequences of such work. These aspects include the impact on the local availability of and access to medicines; the confidentiality and privacy of the surveyors and the surveyed; questions as to whether outlet staff personnel should be told they are part of a survey; the need of ethical and regulatory approvals; and how the findings should be disseminated. Medicine quality surveys should ideally be conducted in partnership with the relevant national Medicine Regulatory Authorities. An international, but contextually sensitive, model of good ethical practice for such surveys is needed. ObjectifsIdentifier et discuter les principaux enjeux ethiques lies a la conduite des surveillances et formuler des suggestions sur la facon de les aborder. MethodeLa plupart des informations fondees sur des preuves en ce qui concerne la qualite des medicaments decoule des enquetes. Cependant, les directives ethiques de recherche existantes ne fournissent pas d'indications precises pour les enquetes sur la qualite de la medecine. Par consequent, ceux menant des enquetes sont souvent laisses a se demander comment juger ce qui compte comme la meilleure pratique. Une liste des principaux defis ethiques dans la conception et la conduite des enquetes est presentee. Resultats et conclusionsIl est essentiel que la conception et la conduite des enquetes sur la qualite de la medecine respectent les obligations morales et ethiques et analysent les implications ethiques et les consequences d'un tel travail. Celles-ci sont: l'impact sur la disponibilite locale et l'acces aux medicaments, la confidentialite et la protection de la vie privee des enqueteurs et des enquetes, des questions quant a savoir si les membres du personnel de sortie doivent etre informes quils font partie d'une enqu