People should participate in, not be subjects of, research

Editor—The use of the term “subjects” in the BMJ’s structured abstracts conflicts with current research policy. A Medline review of BMJ structured abstracts published in 1997 revealed that 202 abstracts included the term “subjects” as a heading, with only three using the heading “participants.” The standing advisory group on consumer involvement in the NHS research and development programme has recommended a “firm commitment to involving consumers in research—not as “subjects” of research, but as active participants in the process of deciding what research should take place, commissioning research, interpreting the results, and disseminating the findings.”¹

This view highlights inconsistencies between NHS research and BMJ editorial policy. The BMJ has previously emphasised patient (participant) involvement through method of study,² and ethical concerns such as informed consent.³ Action is now required to change the terminology in structured abstracts and papers to reflect the role of people in the research process.