How should incidental findings be managed in TCPS 2 research?

• A. Do not share any incidental findings with participants to avoid distress.
• B. Have a plan approved by the REB for if/how findings will be returned, considering participant preferences and welfare.
• C. Return all incidental findings regardless of participant preferences.
• D. Incidental findings should be handled by participants themselves outside the study.

Answer: (B)

In TCPS 2 research, handling incidental findings requires a plan that is approved by the Research Ethics Board and lays out if and how those findings will be returned, taking into account participants’ preferences and their welfare. This approach reflects a balance between respecting participant autonomy and protecting their well-being, especially when findings could have health or safety implications. The plan should be integrated into the study design and consent process, specify who will communicate results, what kinds of findings will be disclosed (such as clinically actionable or significant risks), and how participants can express their preferences about disclosure. It also ensures appropriate support, such as counseling or referrals, is available.

Why this is the best answer: it recognizes that incidental findings are a possible, ethically salient outcome of research and requires formal oversight and planning, rather than ad hoc disclosure. It respects participants’ autonomy by considering their preferences while prioritizing welfare and safety, and it ensures consistent, ethically sound handling through REB-approved processes.

Why the other approaches don’t fit: simply withholding findings ignores participants’ right to information that could affect their health; returning all findings regardless of preferences can cause unnecessary distress or harm; leaving disclosure to participants outside the study removes the researcher’s responsibility and the necessary ethical oversight.