The stated objectives of this research are to assess and develop procedures to enhance the capacity of adults with mild and moderate mental retardation (MR) to provide informed consent for therapeutic research, and to exert their rights to assent or dissent when surrogate consent is obtained. The project will have two phases, with the first designed to examine the understanding of basic elements of psychotropic treatment including the purpose and nature of the research, risks and benefits, voluntary nature of the participation, and right to withdraw without penalty. The project will also examine comprehension of the consent elements (e.g., goals, role of a scientist, nature of placebo conditions, etc). Consent capacity will also be evaluated within the four psycho-legal standards outlined by Appelbaum and Grisso (1988). In phase 1, persons with mild, moderate and """"""""typical;"""""""" intelligence will be respond to a hypothetical vignette describing research utilizing a randomized control trial of a new medication to reduce aggressive behavior. In phase 2, the authors will use data generated from phase 1 to develop and evaluate three formats designed to improve the consent capacity of individuals with mild and moderate MR: 1) a picture book format, 2) a video format, and 3) a supported decision-making format. A significant other is also chosen by the subjects to aid in them during the three format presentations.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HD039332-01
Application #
6166507
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-GNM (02))
Program Officer
Hanson, James W
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
2003-08-31
Budget Start
2000-09-01
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$297,504
Indirect Cost
Name
Fordham University
Department
Psychology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10458
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Fisher, Celia B (2003) Goodness-of-fit ethic for informed consent to research involving adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev 9:27-31
Cea, Christine D; Fisher, Celia B (2003) Health care decision-making by adults with mental retardation. Ment Retard 41:78-87
Fisher, Celia B; Pearson, Jane L; Kim, Scott et al. (2002) Ethical issues in including suicidal individuals in clinical research. IRB 24:9-14