The UK Policy Framework for Health & Social Care Research sets out the principles, requirements and standards expected for the conduct of clinical and non-clinical research in the UK. Its aims to support and facilitate high quality research that commands the confidence of patients and the public. The framework sets out principles of good clinical practice in the management and conduct of health and social care research that takes account of legal requirements and other standards.
Research governance is set out to:
- Safeguard participants in research –
preventing and addressing any sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment of research participants, communities, and research staff, plus any broader forms of violence, exploitation and abuse ... such as bullying psychological abuse and physical violence. The rights, safety and well-being of the participants shall prevail over the interests of science and society.
- Protect researchers/investigators - by providing a clear framework within which to work.
- Enhance ethical and scientific quality
– Has all the ethical principles been considered. Do the participants know exactly what they are consenting to? Taking deliberate steps at provider level to improve the quality of learning opportunities.
- Mitigate risk – Identify the risks, what is the chance of the risk happening?, Can the risk be reduced? Example of this is having more participants taking part in a study when statistically you don’t need as many. Collecting the minimum data necessary for the research, Performing only procedures that are necessary to achieve the study objectives.
- Promote good practice and ensure that lessons are learned -
Be conscious of your role, Follow informed consent within the protocol so the participants are fully informed, respect confidentiality and privacy, share best practice.