Ethics and Biomedical Engineering Practice and Research: Origins of Principles and Consent

Abstract

Modern biomedical engineering practice relies heavily on the evidence base developed from trials, evaluations and audit studies of biomedical diagnostics and therapies. It is rare for a modern-day professional not to be exposed to such research and most accept the conduct of such an activity core to the profession. The basis of how we conduct studies both with and without human subject involvement is a well-developed and developing area. Principally, how we structure and conduct any study in this field is subject to ethical review. The subject of ethics arises from the philosophical basis of how we treat each other or, more generally, how we determine right from wrong behaviour.