Research governance/ethics
Research ethics and governance are playing an increasingly important role in all aspects of nursing research and practice development.
UK wide
Governance arrangements for research ethics committees: a harmonised edition
This document is the policy of the UK Health Departments describing what is expected from the research ethics committees that review research proposals relating to areas of the UK Health Department's responsibility. It also explains when review by these committees is required.
Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)
IRAS Is a single system for applying for the permissions and approvals for health and social care / community care research in the UK.
Website: https://www.myresearchproject.org.uk
England wide
Research Ethics in England
The National Research Ethics Service (NRES) has a dual mission:
- to protect the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of research participants
- to facilitate and promote ethical research that is of potential benefit to participants, science and society
Website: http://www.nres.nhs.uk/
Research Governance Framework for England
The Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care sets out the broad principles of good research governance. The first edition was issued in March 2001. The second edition was issued in April 2005.
Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/Researchgovernance/DH_4002112
Northern Ireland
Researdch Ethics in Northern Ireland
The Office for Research Ethics in Northern Ireland (ORECNI) exists to maintain a Research Ethics Service to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of research participants within the HSC System/NHS, and to protect the rights of researchers to perform ethical research and legitimate investigation.
Website: http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/orecni.htm
Research Governance Framework for Northern Ireland
Website: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/research_governance_framework.pdf [PDF, 351KB]
Scotland
Research Ethics in Scotland
Any research involving NHS patients, service users, care professionals or volunteers, or their organs, tissue or data must have approval from an NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) before it can begin. In addition, informed consent to participate must be obtained from an individual participating in a study - this is the heart of ethical research in health. CSO works closely with the the National Research Ethics Service in England.
Website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/by-topic/health-community-care/chief-scientist-office/6864/6866
Research Governance Framework for Scotland
The first edition was issued in 2001. The second edition was issued in February 2006
Wales
Research Ethics in Wales
The National Institute for Social Care and Research (NISCHR) is responsible for developing research ethics policy in Wales. Research Ethics Committees act as part of an efficient, accountable and independent Research Ethics Service to protect the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of the people who take part in research.
Website: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/page.cfm?orgid=952&pid=57180
Research Governance Framework for Wales
The Research Governance Framework second edition was published in September 2009.
Website: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/page.cfm?orgid=952&pid=59407
Publications
Research Ethics: RCN guidance for nurses (2009)
The RCN Research Society is delighted to announce the publication of the booklet Research Ethics: RCN guidance for nurses [publication code 003 138]. This booklet is in its 5th revision since its original 1977 publication. Please note this publication is only available as a download.
Website: Research Ethics: RCN guidance for nurses (PDF, 885KB)
Long, T. & Johnson, M. (2007), "Research ethics in the real world: issues and solutions for health and social care". Elsevier: Churchill Livingstone
This book, to which four members of the RCN Research Society Steering Committee (at the time) contributed, departs from the usual principles-based approach and instead takes a predominantly consequentialist (harms and benefits) approach. It aims to be free of abstract philosophy, but will use the analysis of cases and a reasoned approach to examine alternative arguments. Whilst the book deals with issues in some depth it uses plain language and many clear examples of good and less good practice to illustrate points. It is at a level useful to both beginning and more experienced researchers. RCN members can request this book from the RCN library.
Website: http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/library
Fontenla, M. & Rycroft-Malone, J. (2006), "Research governance and ethics: a resource for novice researchers". Nursing Standard. 20, 23, 41-46.
This article provides an overview of the research governance framework and ethical review. Issues surrounding new procedures are clarified and practical advice is provided for those embarking on research projects. The article discusses limitations and highlights possible future changes to research governance in the United Kingdom. RCN members can access this article via the RCN e-library.
Website: http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/library/elibrary
NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme
The NIHR HTA programme have published the following monographs
- Ethical issues in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials: a review (Edwards) Vol 2, Number 15
- Implications of socio-cultural contexts for the ethics of clinical trials: a review (Ashcroft) Vol 1, Number 9