The psychology of “cure” - unique challenges to consent processes in HIV cure research in South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorMoodley, Keymanthrien_ZA
dc.contributor.authorStaunton, Ciaraen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorRossouw, Theresaen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorDe Roubaix, Malcolmen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorDuby, Zoeen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorSkinner, Donalden_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2019-01-25T05:28:41Z
dc.date.available2019-01-25T05:28:41Z
dc.date.issued2019-01-24
dc.date.updated2019-01-24T13:37:53Z
dc.descriptionCITATION: Moodley, K., et al. 2019. The psychology of “cure” - unique challenges to consent processes in HIV cure research in South Africa. BMC Medical Ethics, 20:9, doi:10.1186/s12910-019-0348-z.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/
dc.description.abstractBackground: Consent processes for clinical trials involving HIV prevention research have generated considerable debate globally over the past three decades. HIV cure/eradication research is scientifically more complex and consequently, consent processes for clinical trials in this field are likely to pose a significant challenge. Given that research efforts are now moving toward HIV eradication, stakeholder engagement to inform appropriate ethics oversight of such research is timely. This study sought to establish the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders in HIV treatment and research to inform consent processes for cure research. Methods: In total, 68 South African stakeholders participated in two qualitative research modalities. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with a purposive sample of 42 individuals - audiotaped with consent. Twenty-six stakeholders participated in three focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis of transcribed IDIs and FGDs was conducted. Results: The majority of respondents indicated that there could be unique challenges in HIV cure research requiring special attention. In particular, given the complexity of cure science, translation of concepts into lay language would be critical for potential participants to adequately appreciate risks and benefits in early phase research with experimental interventions. Furthermore, to aid understanding of risks and benefits against a background of desperation for a cure, specially trained facilitators would be required to assist with a psychological assessment prior to consent to avoid curative misconceptions. Long-term participant engagement to assess durability of a cure would mean that the consent process would be prolonged, necessitating annual re-consent. Building trust to maintain such long-term relationships would be critical to retain study participants. Conclusion: Unique consent requirements for cure research in South Africa would include significant efforts to maximise understanding of trial procedures, risks and the need for long-term follow-up. However, the psychological dimension of cure must not be underestimated. Beyond an understanding of cure science, the emotional impact of HIV cure advances the discourse from cure to healing. Consequently, the consent process for cure research would need to be enhanced to include psychological support and counselling. This has several important implications for research ethics review requirements for consent in HIV cure research.
dc.description.urihttps://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12910-019-0348-z
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent11 pages
dc.identifier.citationMoodley, K., et al. 2019. The psychology of “cure” - unique challenges to consent processes in HIV cure research in South Africa. BMC Medical Ethics, 20:9, doi:10.1186/s12910-019-0348-z
dc.identifier.issn1472-6939 (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.1186/s12910-019-0348-z
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/105356
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherBMC (part of Springer Nature)
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectHIV (Viruses) -- Prevention -- Research -- Psychological aspectsen_ZA
dc.subjectMedicine, Preventive -- Research -- Moral and ethical aspectsen_ZA
dc.titleThe psychology of “cure” - unique challenges to consent processes in HIV cure research in South Africaen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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