In a longitudinal study, what confidentiality procedure protects against compelled disclosure of identifiable information?

In a longitudinal study, obtaining a Certificate of Confidentiality is a robust confidentiality procedure that specifically protects against the compelled disclosure of identifiable information. This certificate is an official document issued by the National Institutes of Health or other similar entities, allowing researchers to refuse to disclose identifiable information about participants even in legal situations where they may otherwise be compelled to do so.

By securing a Certificate of Confidentiality, researchers can provide their participants with a greater level of assurance regarding the privacy of their data, which can be particularly important in sensitive studies—such as those involving vulnerable populations like prisoners. This certificate not only serves as a legal protection for the researcher but also helps to build trust with participants, encouraging them to share more candidly without fear of disclosure.

Other confidentiality procedures, while beneficial for overall ethical research practices and participant trust, do not provide this specific level of legal protection. For instance, informed consent forms outline how data will be used and might assure participants of confidentiality, but they do not prevent legal authorities from accessing the data. Regular data audits can help ensure compliance with ethical standards but do not shield against compelled disclosure. Simply informing subjects about confidentiality does not provide any legal safeguard against disclosure requests. Thus, securing a Certificate of Confidentiality stands out as the most effective