Informed consent in implantable BCI research: Identification of research risks and recommendations for development of best practices

Eran Klein, Jeffrey Ojemann

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. Implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) research promises improvements in human health and enhancements in quality of life. Informed consent of subjects is a central tenet of this research. Rapid advances in neuroscience, and the intimate connection between functioning of the brain and conceptions of the self, make informed consent particularly challenging in BCI research. Identification of safety and research-related risks associated with BCI devices is an important step in ensuring meaningful informed consent. Approach. This paper highlights a number of BCI research risks, including safety concerns, cognitive and communicative impairments, inappropriate subject expectations, group vulnerabilities, privacy and security, and disruptions of identity. Main results. Based on identified BCI research risks, best practices are needed for understanding and incorporating BCI-related risks into informed consent protocols. Significance. Development of best practices should be guided by processes that are: multidisciplinary, systematic and transparent, iterative, relational and exploratory.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number043001
JournalJournal of Neural Engineering
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • brain-computer interface
  • deep brain stimulation, safety
  • informed consent
  • neuroethics
  • research ethics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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