Ethical, Legal and Forensic Issues regarding Vulnerable Populations

Dear Colleagues,

The term “vulnerable population” refers to those who are incapable of protecting their own interests, or in other words, those who require the utmost care, specific ancillary considerations and augmented protections in research. Vulnerable populations may be divided into three main domains: a) the physical domain—mothers and infants at high risk, the chronically ill, the disabled and persons with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; b) the psychological domain—people with chronic mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or a history of alcohol and/or substance abuse; and c) the social domain—people living in abusive families, the homeless, immigrants, refugees, prisoners, LGBTQ people and several other minorities (gypsies, indigenous populations, etc.).

The health care of the above-mentioned populations presents several ethical, forensic, and legal challenges. In this respect, this Topic aims to enable the exchange and development of knowledge and expertise on crucial matters regarding vulnerable populations such as human rights (capacity, confidentiality, and consent), research ethics, medical negligence, abuse and exploitation, sexual assault, mortality, violence, crime, bodily harm, torture, deaths under custody, etc.  

Groups from all specialties and fields are encouraged to submit original research, short reports, reviews, commentaries, and case reports/case studies that provide new insights into the above-related issues. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Stavroula Papadodima
Dr. Flora Bacopoulou
Topic Editors