Honest yet unacceptable research practices: when research becomes a health risk

Background Examples of poor research practices have received much attention in academic and public arenas. Such practices persist and threaten the health of the public and the reputation and impact of research and researchers. Objective In this article, we argue that research—though intended to improve health—can lead to patient harm through the proliferation of honest (though occasionally dishonest) yet unacceptable research practices. Summary of key arguments We argue that deliberate dishonest research practices—termed questionable research practices—are widely prevalent and insidious and influenced by both individual and cultural factors. Drawing on credible conceptualisations of poor research practices, we define honest yet unacceptable research practices to be different from questionable research practices involving dishonesty, but just as serious due to their wide prevalence and damaging impacts. Finally, we present recommendations for people and organisations to better protect patients’ interests from honest yet unacceptable research practices. Conclusion Our recommendations can serve as the basis for preventing honest yet unacceptable poor research practices to safeguard public trust in health professions, researchers and practices.