Do we consent to rules of consent and confidentiality?

Confidentiality and informed consent are important concepts enabling the sharing of sensitive data. In a paper on this topic of this issue, Williams and Pigeot ( 2017 ) discuss that these have to be balanced with openness to ensure research standards. In this opinion paper, we give some background on how the paper by Williams and Pigeot evolved, reflect on their concepts, and provide some examples of the application of these concepts in various settings relevant to biostatisticians working in health research.     

The rage of consent

Concern about the proprietary rights over human body parts has had a dramatic recent impact in some European countries with many implications for future research.     

Uninformed consent?

The US should revamp rules on informed consent to ensure that people have all of the information and support they need before deciding to enroll in clinical trials.