A practical guide to attaining research ethics approval in the UK
Angela Mary Tod Principal research fellow, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
Peter Allmark Principal lecturer, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
Althea Alison Senior manager, West Midlands North Comprehensive Local Research Network (part of the National Institute for Health Research Comprehensive Clinical Research Network)
This article examines the permissions and approvals required for nurses and other health professionals to conduct research in the NHS in the UK today. A fictitious example of a research study conducted by a nurse who did not obtain NHS research ethics committee (REC) approval is provided. The current position regarding the REC approval process, including the role of ethics in research governance, is explored. The differences between research, audit and service evaluation are explained. Finally, the main ethical issues to be addressed in an application for REC approval are summarised.
Nursing Standard.
23, 25, 35-41.
doi: 10.7748/ns2009.02.23.25.35.c6830
Correspondence
a.tod@shu.ac.uk
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
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