Public involvement in research: impact on ethical aspects of research
A new resource from INVOLVE, a national advisory group in public involvement in research, provides examples of the impact of public involvement in the ethical design and conduct of research. Drawing on findings from three reviews and other literature, this 8-page paper issued in June 2012 illustrates how public involvement throughout a study can help to make research more ethical by:
- Making research more relevant – so that research is a valuable and respectful use of people’s time and the results are more likely to be useful to patients/ the public
- Helping to define what is ethically acceptable – particularly in controversial or risky research
- Improving the process of informed consent – making it easier for prospective participants to understand the research and potential risks
- Improving the experience of participating in research – checking that the practical arrangements for participants are appropriate
- Dissemination of research to both the participants and the wider public – providing information on the progress of the research as well as the results
This paper is available to download free of charge on INVOLVE's website.
Website: INVOLVE Public involvement in research: impact on ethical aspects of research