»Our Approach to this Module«
The main goal for this site is to present material in such a way that it promotes awareness of important issues in bioethics. The key is to have readers begin to recognize and identify issues that relate to topics discussed in the module. Our aim is to present the content of the module in a way that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
This module has been designed to offer the reader an open-ended learning environment. While there will be a strongly suggested path, there is no set route that all readers must follow; navigation of the module will not force a reader into any specific area. Readers are free to decide how to use the materials presented that will best suit their individual needs and interests. Of course, our wish is that the reader will review all sections of the module in depth along our suggested path.
Reasons for this open-ended approach are twofold. First, because there will be several types of readers, from experienced researchers to novice lab assistants, many will not need to go through all sections of the module. Some readers may choose only to augment information they use in practice; others may have different learning styles or time availabilities, and need to look through sections at different times; while still others may choose to go back and forth through the material to obtain the optimal learning experience. Second, we hope that each reader will review the materials time and again as needed or as desire dictates. The module has a rich source of materials that could prove useful to all at different times. The content of the module includes extensive and annotated reference sections, links to federal policies, laws, and guidelines, clinical and social science cases presented in two formats, and questions for future thought.
»Navigation for the Module«
»Introduction«
The module introduction includes several features. There will be an Introduction to the topic of Privacy and Confidentiality, with a link to the learning objectives for the module, along with an explanation to readers of what to expect. A series of optional challenge questions serves as a key pre- and post-knowledge test, appearing at the beginning and again at the end of the module.
»"Clean" and Annotated Cases«
We have decided on a case-based approach to this module. Employing realistic fabrication, the module offers both a clinical case and a social sciences and behavioral case that should appeal to our varied readers. We urge each reader to begin by reading through, at least once, what we call the "clean" clinical and/or social sciences case. By using the term "clean," we mean that the case will appear without any annotations, allowing the reader to consider many issues without being influenced or distracted. Many online experiences can distract readers in numerous ways, including links, animation, video, graphic elements, etc. The online environment sometimes has many bells and whistles simply because it can. We want the reader to digest the information and truly think about the issues that should raise mental flags.
Following the "clean" cases, readers should move on to the Question and Answer sections. Readers have the option of viewing answers to the questions related to the case, both in this section and later while reading the annotated case. Obviously, we hope that readers will review all of the questions and consider them as they move onto one of the next two major sections: the Annotated Cases or the Fundamental Core Text.
The Annotated Cases contain the same text as the "clean" cases but are enhanced by three main types of annotations. The first, and simplest annotation, consists of inline links that define an item or supply a reference for it. These links are normal hyperlinks that generate a pop-up window. The second type of annotation is a series of questions posed about the related cases. They appear at the end of a paragraph, where the question may logically be asked. Links to these questions will be represented in the annotation by an 
icon. When selecting this icon, a pop-up window will open and give both the question and the answer.
The third, and most important type of annotation, is our Ethics Wizard. This Wizard (represented by this icon) is a character who serves as the voice of the many experts working in relation to the subject of the module. The Wizard will point out ethical issues, but even more, will provide further insight, opinions, commentary, ideas on how to handle situations, links to resources, etc. Expect to find the Wizard anywhere the experts decide to place a notation that falls outside of the other two types of annotations, in both the cases and the Foundation Text.
»Foundation Text«
The Foundation Text includes all of the relevant background text material for the topic of the module. This material includes a rich panoply of learning resources, including definitions, examples, policy statements, and videos of experts offering their opinions and experience. Essentially, this text can be considered the traditional "textbook" chapter for the module. Yet it is supplemented with all of the pieces of information the module creators have decided is necessary to gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
The use of "sidebar" material and the Ethics Wizard serve to break up long passages of text. Readers have the option of jumping around the text via a linked table of contents. Please understand that we do not require that readers read the Foundation Text from start to finish. Rather, it should be read as necessary or as time allows. That said, those who do read the material in its entirety, including the sidebars and Wizard comments, will get a comprehensive overview of the topic. All readers will, of course, have the option of saving and/or printing out the material.
»Resources«
Our Resources section provides an extensive list of policy statements and key readings related to the module. In addition, the content experts have chosen to highlight what they feel are essential readings by providing a brief synopsis in the list of Annotated Primary References. Videos of the expert testimony used in the module will also be redisplayed here for ease of use. All related readings and materials will appear in an organized, easy-to-navigate fashion.
»Conclusion«
Finally, the Conclusion offers an overview of the module and a link to the learning objectives once again. The challenge questions will also reappear as a post-test that will allow readers to gauge their own personal educational results.
We trust that the readers of this module will gain an increased appreciation of both the importance – and the challenge – of protecting privacy and maintaining confidentiality in the research setting. 