Research Ethics

Question 1

Definition of research ethics

Answer 1

• research ethics govern the standards of conduct for scientific researchers.
• it is important to adhere to ethical principles in order to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants

Question 2

What are the guiding principles of research ethics?

Answer 2

Autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice

Question 3

What is autonomy?

Answer 3

Respect decision making capabilities of autonomous persons

Question 4

What is non-maleficence?

Answer 4

Obligation to avoid harm

Question 5

What is beneficence?

Answer 5

Obligation to provide benefits and balance benefits against risk

Question 6

What is justice?

Answer 6

Obligation of fairness in the distribution of benefit and risk

Question 7

Who is involved?

Answer 7

Research ethics committee members, ~18 of around 1/3 lay members. Others include officers (chair, vice chair, alternative chair) and expert members

Question 8

What is the participant perspective?

Answer 8

Thinking, seeing, saying, feeling, hearing

Question 9

What must communication be?

Answer 9

Jargon free, clear english, easy to read, visual language, factual, descriptive and consistency

Question 10

Time commitment

Answer 10

Months (1-3): prepare,become familiar with the process and engage with all team members

Months (3-6): write, define the study collaboratively and create supporting documents

Months (6-7): apply, gain sign off from the team, react quickly to HRA requests

Months (7-8): approve

Question 11

Summary

Answer 11

• research ethics governs the conduct of research with human participants
• foundation is the 4 guiding principles
• national governing bodies operate and manage ethical approval process, such as HRA
• build a multi-disciplinary team to gain ethical approval
• use, clear jargon free language to communicate with participants
• include participants at all stages of research