In a longitudinal study following children, what confidentiality procedure protects against compelled disclosure?

Securing a Certificate of Confidentiality is a critical procedure in longitudinal studies, particularly those involving vulnerable populations such as children. This certificate is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and provides researchers with the authority to refuse to disclose identifiable, sensitive information about research participants, even when faced with legal demands. It offers legal protection against compelled disclosure, allowing researchers to maintain the privacy of participants' information and to foster trust in the research process. This is particularly important in sensitive studies where revealing personal details could cause harm or stigma to participants.

The other options do not offer the same level of protection against compelled disclosure. Tracking data with unique identifiers, while useful for maintaining participant anonymity in data analysis, does not prevent legal authorities from accessing identifiable information if a subpoena or court order is issued. Implementing full transparency with parents might ensure informed consent but does not safeguard against potential legal demands for information. Maintaining all records in a public database directly contradicts the principle of confidentiality and could lead to breaches of privacy, which would be particularly detrimental in studies involving children. Therefore, securing a Certificate of Confidentiality is the best practice for ensuring confidentiality and protecting against compelled disclosure in research involving sensitive populations.