RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Aftercare for participants in clinical research: ethical considerations in an asthma drug trial. JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 225 OP 228 DO 10.1136/jme.21.4.225 VO 21 IS 4 A1 S C Harth A1 Y H Thong YR 1995 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/21/4/225.abstract AB The issue of aftercare for participants in clinical research was explored in the context of an asthma drug trial. Although there may be financial constraints and practical difficulties with implementation, the results show that it may be feasible for clinical investigators and commercial sponsors to take on some limited responsibility for the medical care of research subjects after clinical trials. However, the ethical implications for this practice remain unclear. On the one hand, society may have a moral obligation to compensate and reward some of its members who assume the risk of research subjects for the benefit of society as a whole. On the other hand, the promise of aftercare may provide an inducement to volunteers which, under certain conditions may be considered morally wrong and scientifically unsound.