What is meant by "incidental findings" in research?

"Incidental findings" refers to unexpected discoveries that arise during research, particularly those that are related to a participant's health but are not the primary focus of the study. For example, during a clinical trial focusing on a specific treatment for one condition, researchers may find that a participant's test results indicate an unrelated health issue. These findings can pose ethical considerations, as researchers must determine how to communicate these findings to participants, ensuring that they receive necessary support or referrals without overstepping the bounds of the initial research objectives.

This understanding of incidental findings is important in research ethics and practice, as it addresses the responsibilities researchers have towards participants regarding unexpected health information that emerges during the course of a study.