Nursing research ethics, guidance and application in practice

Abstract

Ethics is fundamental to good research practice and the protection of society. From a historical point of view research ethics has had a chequered past and without due cognisance there is always the potential for research to do harm. Research ethics is fundamental to research practice, nurse education and the development of evidence. In conducting research, it is important to plan for and anticipate any potential or actual risks. To engage in research, researchers need to develop an understanding and knowledge of research ethics and carefully plan how to address ethics within their research. This article aims to enhance students' and novice researchers' research ethics understanding and its application to nursing research.

Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research

“…The more information researchers give when constructing a rich description, the greater the danger of participant identification. Researchers may have to mask contextualization to some extent to protect participants’ identities, while still ensuring that what is reported is verbatim or as near to the meaning literally described by the participant ( Doody & Noonan, 2016 ). Study participants must be viewed as autonomous agents with the right to voluntarily accept or decline to participate in any study and to cease participation at any stage without prejudice.…”

What are Photovoice studies?

“…Nurses who wish to utilise a Photovoice methodology need to consider the complex ethical issues relating to capturing, analysing, storing, and disseminating visual data. A critical approach is needed to justify research decisions as well as to support adherence to the professional codes and guidance that regulate a nurses' actions (Doody and Noonan, 2016).…”

Socio-demographic Determinants of Attendance in Diabetes Education Centres: A Survey of Patients’ Views

“…The research followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, and was conducted according to the ethical codes guiding research in England. 8,9 Ethics approval for this study was granted by Berkshire Research Ethics Committee. Similarly, the participant's consent was sought at the beginning of each data collection stage, with freedom to withdraw at any time.…”