Office of Human Research Ethics SOP 2901: Family History Research

Title

Office of Human Research Ethics SOP 2901: Family History Research

1. Family History Research

Family research typically involves obtaining information from one family member (called a proband) about other family members (third parties). For a detailed description of family history research, see SOP 2901

1.1 Recruitment of Family Members via Family History Research

In some cases, researchers may learn about potential subjects through family history research and wish to enroll a third party in a study. In such situations, the researcher must exercise extreme care in approaching a third party via a proband.

Under most circumstances researchers should ask the proband to discuss participation in the research study with his/her family member(s) before the researcher approaches those family members directly. Additionally, researchers should obtain consent directly from the family member(s) and not via the proband.

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Name: Kimberly Brownley
Title:  Associate Director of Policy and Initiative
Unit: Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE)
Email: kim_brownley@med.unc.edu