There is A major challenge in conducting disaster research is protecting study participants against psychological injury. Disaster research participants have to re-live traumatic experiences during a study, which can exacerbate pre-existing mental health problems and vulnerabilities.
In response, a panel formed by the New York Academy of Medicine and the National Institute of Mental Health published a set of specific recommendations to help protect disaster victims in disaster research. Through the recommendations, the panel addresses twelve concerns and considerations according to basic tenets of ethical human research.
In compliance with these recommendations, the World Trade Center Evacuation (WTCE) study developed protocols and procedures (in for form of a roadmap) to ensure that the study participants are protected. The roadmap covers all four major phases of the study: planning the project, conducting the study, analyzing the data, and disseminating the results.
Several participants were excluded from the study based on various incompatibilities, such as decisional capability, the impact of participation, psychological assessment, assurance of adequate subject protections, and the impact on the research team. Some participants actually benefited psychologically from study participation, possibly as a result of their positive and uplifting experiences. Other potential explanations for the positive outcomes include a sense of meaningful impact from their input, the recognization that they were able to help others with their abilities, and an opportunity to channel their rage, anger, disbelief, and helplessness into a productive project.
Three important recommendations to be implemented in future research participating protocols include non-anonymous study follow-up, the option to opt out of studies, and the need for further research on the long-term impact of disaster research participation.