Panel Discussion 4: Ethics in Practice: Real-World Challenges and Lessons in Conducting Research in Commercial Settings

Recently, there have been several high-profile cases of digital health companies conducting research and handling/sharing data with problematic practices and outcomes. In academic environments, there are established policies and guidelines for conducting research; yet in the private-sector, ethical practices surrounding research and data management are inconsistent. This is especially troublesome considering the expansion of scientific initiatives in digital health companies and the growth in AI and its integration into products and services.

Scientists have a professional commitment to guide and inform the responsible conduct of research, including data management practices (i.e., collection, security, sharing, use). Demonstrating these responsibilities can be difficult in an under-regulated setting where ethical practices are not well understood nor prioritized. There is a need to help scientists clearly communicate and educate company leadership on accepted ethical principles and responsible research practices to foster a corporate culture that understands the value of rigorous scientific research.

This panel will: (1) explore the complexities and responsibilities of conducting science within a digital health company, (2) share real-world examples, drawn from personal experiences in industry that highlight both successful and challenging approaches to tackling ethical issues in digital health research, (3) offer strategies for educating company leadership (and other cross-functional teams) on the critical role of ethics in maintaining public trust and ensuring the responsible development of products, content and services, and (4) discuss the potential components of building a framework for conducting research and handling data within a company.

Co-Presenter - Jennifer Huberty PhD, FSBM  Student
Fit Minded Inc

Co-Presenter - Jackie Yourell MS, PhD  Student
Fit Minded Inc.

Co-Presenter - Cynthia Castro Sweet PhD, FSBM  Student
Hinge Health

Discussant - Camille Nebeker EdD, MS  Student
UC San Diego

Recently, there have been several high-profile cases of digital health companies conducting research and handling/sharing data with problematic practices and outcomes. In academic environments, there are established policies and guidelines for conducting research; yet in the private-sector, ethical practices surrounding research and data management are inconsistent. This is especially troublesome considering the expansion of scientific initiatives in digital health companies and the growth in AI and its integration into products and services.

Scientists have a professional commitment to guide and inform the responsible conduct of research, including data management practices (i.e., collection, security, sharing, use). Demonstrating these responsibilities can be difficult in an under-regulated setting where ethical practices are not well understood nor prioritized. There is a need to help scientists clearly communicate and educate company leadership on accepted ethical principles and responsible research practices to foster a corporate culture that understands the value of rigorous scientific research.

This panel will: (1) explore the complexities and responsibilities of conducting science within a digital health company, (2) share real-world examples, drawn from personal experiences in industry that highlight both successful and challenging approaches to tackling ethical issues in digital health research, (3) offer strategies for educating company leadership (and other cross-functional teams) on the critical role of ethics in maintaining public trust and ensuring the responsible development of products, content and services, and (4) discuss the potential components of building a framework for conducting research and handling data within a company.

Co-Presenter - Jennifer L. Huberty, PhD, FSBM, PhD, FSBM,
Fit Minded Inc

Co-Presenter - Jackie Yourell, MS, PhD, MS, PhD,
Fit Minded Inc.

Co-Presenter - Cynthia M. Castro Sweet, PhD, FSBM, PhD, FSBM,
Hinge Health

Discussant - Camille Nebeker, EdD, MS, EdD, MS,
UC San Diego