Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following groups is considered a vulnerable population in clinical trials?

1. Healthy volunteers

2. Military personnel

3. Medical professionals

4. General public

The correct answer is: Military personnel

Military personnel are considered a vulnerable population in clinical trials due to their unique circumstances and potential for coercion or undue influence. The hierarchical structure and loyalty associated with military service can create an environment where service members might feel pressured to participate in research, even when they may not fully comprehend the implications. Additionally, their access to healthcare and support systems can complicate the informed consent process, as they might have concerns about how participation could affect their military standing or future care. In contrast, healthy volunteers, medical professionals, and the general public do not face the same levels of pressure or unique influences in their consideration of participation in clinical trials. Healthy volunteers typically participate by choice without the additional factors that can affect military personnel. Medical professionals are often well-informed about the implications of their participation, thus less vulnerable. The general public, while sometimes facing challenges related to informed consent, does not have the same pressures tied to a specific role or organizational loyalty that military personnel face.