Deep mistrust an issue in controversial U program

The University of Minnesota is expected to roll out a plan next week to reform its research programs involving human subjects.

An internal investigation released last week emphasized a culture of mistrust between psychiatry department researchers and Fairview medical staff who care for research subjects.

That report is one of several this year to reveal problems in the department. University leaders have come under fire as they navigate the fallout from a 2004 suicide of a drug-trial patient. There are allegations that the university mishandled that case, and at least one other, at the expense of vulnerable research subjects.

MPR's Phil Picardi spoke with epidemiology professor Michael Oakes, who chairs the panel overseeing research at the university. He is lead author of the investigation released last week.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.