Enhancing Ethical Practices in Saudi Arabia: Improving the Protection of Human Subjects' Rights in Medical Research

Abstract

This research dissertation investigates the ethical landscape of medical research in Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on enhancing ethical practices and improving the protection of human subjects' rights. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis of international and national guidelines, the study identifies areas of convergence and divergence, offering a nuanced understanding of the ethical framework within the Saudi Arabian research environment.

Additionally, the research examines the current procedures related to informed consent in human subject research, highlighting opportunities for improvement and the implementation of best practices. By addressing the perceptions of Institutional Review Board (IRB) members and their implications for protecting human subjects' rights, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in ensuring the welfare and rights of research participants. Furthermore, the development and validation of a tool to assess researchers' knowledge and attitudes toward research ethics education and the protection of human subjects' rights represent a proactive step towards promoting a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility among researchers. The findings and recommendations presented in this dissertation have significant implications for advancing ethical practices in Saudi Arabia and improving the protection of human subjects' rights in medical research, both within the local context and with broader relevance to international research ethics. The dissertation provides valuable insights into the ethical considerations and legal frameworks governing medical research in Saudi Arabia and identifies areas for improvement in the protection of human subjects' rights. The recommendations presented in the dissertation have important implications for advancing ethical practices in Saudi Arabia and improving the protection of human subjects' rights in medical research. By addressing these issues, the dissertation has the potential to contribute to the development of more robust ethical guidelines and practices in medical research, ultimately leading to better protection of human subjects' rights and improved healthcare outcomes.