David Tuller: Trial By Error: Where's My Apology, BMJ Open?

[Kalliope]

Where's My Apology, BMJ Open?

This morning I sent the following e-mail to Dr Fiona Godlee, the editor-in-chief of The BMJ and editorial director of BMJ. I cc’d Professor Vincent Racaniello, the host of Virology Blog, and Carol Monaghan MP, who sits on the House of Commons Health and Technology Committee.http://www.virology.ws/2018/10/24/t...pEsnvqIYVkhQ2EM-A1q25qp0gKqHhrqiA5l3LlrFqsX3M

 

[Adrian]

In addition to characterizing my work as “inaccurate” and “misrepresentative,” the statement maintained that the data used in the study were collected anonymously.

I wonder if it is worth looking at this from a data protection and privacy angle and potentially complaining the ICO. Personal data was collected as part of the trial and used but the trial was coercive in that it was looking at school non-attenders and hence there would have been a lot of pressure to take part. Can consent for the collection of personal data really be given under such circumstances.

 

[dave30th]

Can consent for the collection of personal data really be given under such circumstances.

No, I don't think it can. I have tried to get a copy of the letter but Bristol claims not to have it.

 

[Sasha]

Thanks for doing this, @dave30th. What a mess.

 

[ScottTriGuy]

This was my favourite bit:

(The COPE statement also declared that my reporting was “damaging to the journal’s reputation.” I am not seeking an apology for or withdrawal of this particular BMJ Open claim.)

 

[Peter T]

This was my favourite bit:

(The COPE statement also declared that my reporting was “damaging to the journal’s reputation.” I am not seeking an apology for or withdrawal of this particular BMJ Open claim.)

Mine too.

 

[feeb]

Out of interest, did @dave30th ever get the apology he sought for this? Or did BMJ just ignore the request like they've ignored everything else?