JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Behavioral researchers are increasingly using interactive digital platforms, either as standalone or supplementary intervention tools, to facilitate positive changes in research participants’ health habits. Research–oriented interactive websites optimally offer a variety of participatory mediums, such as blogs, user–driven content, or health activities. Owing to the multidirectional features of interactive websites and considerations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for research participants, it is paramount that these platforms be designed to protect participants’ privacy and to minimize loss of anonymity and confidentiality. Authentication (ie, digital verification of one’s identity) of interactive sites is one viable solution to these concerns. Researchers should follow vetted procedures when implementing ethically responsible authenticated websites. However, practical guidelines for ethical website design and implementation are currently lacking in the literature. In this tutorial, through the presentation of a case study conducted at a large research university, we provide specific considerations that research teams should address to uphold ethical best practices in all phases of website development. Through iterative and practical recommendations, we detail lessons learned from collaborations with information technology and legal support teams. Although the intricacies of our applied tutorial may require adaptations based on each institutions’ technological capacity, we are certain that the core ethical stipulations are universal and thus useful to researchers creating ethically responsible interactive websites.