PoPulationand Public HealtH etHics

Cross-referencing
of data
Does the cross-referencing of
certain data expose any groups to
stigmatization?
Can the cross-referencing of
certain data lead to problems of
confidentiality?
Data management Do the databases afford adequate
protection for people’s privacy?
Dissemination
of information
produced
For sensitive data, has the consent
of the people concerned been
requested?
Have the target populations and the
partners been consulted about the
dissemination of information?
Have the populations concerned
been informed about the methods
that will be used to communicate the
results on the individual (participant)
level and the population level in
accordance with the surveillance
objectives?
Have the comments by the
population or the participants under
study been considered?
A Tool for Ethical Analysis of Public Health Surveillance Plans
57
Ghettos can be identified by crossreferencing
of data on socio-economic
status, ethnic origin or country of
origin that are available for sufficiently
small geographic areas.
Individuals to whom the data refer
can be identified inadvertently.
Databases identifying persons are
used in an uncontrolled fashion.
Use is made of data that come from
biological samples and that are
produced without consent.
Information is expressed in jargon,
or in a form unsuited to client needs,
or in such a way as to be stigmatizing.
No steps are taken to educate
the public after the results are
communicated.
Participatory activities are just for
show, designed to co-opt the public
rather than to genuinely consider its
concerns.