In this scenario, although their proposed study will generate good science and could be benefit for disease prevention and control, that could eventually lead to elimination of the disease in the country, we have to abide by the General Principles of Informatics Ethics which means
1. Should you give the data out?
– We should not give the requested data in details at individual level for each single case covering the disease status, home address, geolocation, contact number because it violate the General Principles of Informatics Ethics.
2. How do you not violate any of the general principles of informatics ethics.
– the General Principles of Informatics Ethics dictate principle of autonomy, principle of equality and justice, principle of beneficence, principle of non-maleficence, which means that if we gave the data as requested we will break those principle. Not violating the General Principles of Informatics Ethics will mean that when we give the data it have to be encoded.
3. If you want to provide the data to them, what and how will you do it?
– As per the question 2, we will need to encode the data. Encoding and anonymizing the data will make sure that we can still adhere to General Principles of Informatics Ethics as well as generate good science and could be benefit for disease prevention and control. Encoding and anonymizing personally identifiable data like identification number, hospital number, admission number, age, specific address will be critical. As all research should undergo ethical review process, ethical review board should also certify that this research adhere to the General Principles of Informatics Ethics as well.