Ethics of Research In Health Care The ethics of research is a foundational aspect of nursing and health care that addresses what is morally right and wrong in conducting, disseminating, and implementing findings from systematic investigations. The ethical framework for research is shaped by both enduring and evolving social values, which may differ across cultures. As the field of international nursing research expands, researchers must remain sensitive to the ethical standards of diverse cultural contexts (Olsen, 2003).
Two critical points about research ethics are undeniable:
- All research has ethical dimensions.
- All research must adhere to ethical principles.
These principles guide the conduct of research, ensuring that the rights and well-being of participants are prioritized, and that findings contribute positively to the field of nursing.
Advancement and Ethical Considerations
Rapid advancements in science and technology have prompted the development of several important policy documents and ethical guidelines specific to nursing research. Key documents include the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Nursing’s Social Policy Statement from 1980, 1995, and 2003, which emphasizes the importance of ethical practice in nursing.
Moreover, the ANA has published human rights guidelines for nurses conducting research, as well as provisions in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. These guidelines serve as a framework for ensuring ethical practices in nursing research, focusing on the protection of participants and the integrity of the research process.
Ethical Considerations in Research and Nursing Responsibilities
Nurse researchers bear a significant moral responsibility when conducting research involving human subjects. This is especially critical in light of advancements in genetics and the use of human biological materials in research (Jeffers, 2001). Before conducting research, ethical approval must be obtained from an institutional review board (IRB) or its equivalent. Once approval is granted, researchers must consider several ethical responsibilities:
- Selection of Participants: The selection process for participants must be fair and just, avoiding bias towards vulnerable populations. Researchers must ensure that participation is not solely based on convenience or accessibility.
- Informed Consent: Participants should receive comprehensive and unbiased information about the study, allowing them to make informed decisions about their involvement. Researchers must verify that participants understand the information provided.
- Right to Withdraw: Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any repercussions. This respect for autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle.
- Protection of Vulnerable Populations: Special consideration must be given to vulnerable groups to avoid exploitation and ensure their rights are protected throughout the research process.
Types of Ethical Principles and Considerations
The ethical conduct of research is guided by several key principles:
1. Autonomy
This principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make informed decisions regarding their participation in research. Researchers must respect participants’ choices and ensure they understand the implications of their involvement.
2. Non-Maleficence
Researchers are obligated to “do no harm.” This principle requires that the potential benefits of research outweigh any risks or harms to participants. Researchers must carefully assess the risks associated with their studies and provide justification for any necessary therapeutic harms.
3. Beneficence
This principle extends beyond non-maleficence by emphasizing the obligation to promote the well-being of participants. Researchers should aim to enhance the health and quality of life of those involved in the study.
4. Justice
Justice requires fair treatment in the selection of participants and equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of research. Researchers must avoid systematic exclusion of certain groups based on arbitrary criteria.
5. Integrity
Researchers must adhere to ethical standards and principles, avoiding scientific misconduct such as data falsification, plagiarism, and improper authorship practices.
Ethical Board or Committee
The involvement of an interdisciplinary research team necessitates clear designation of a principal investigator who is accountable for the overall conduct of the study. This individual is responsible for supervising all team members, including research assistants. Each member of the team must understand their ethical responsibilities and how their work contributes to the overall research objectives.
The ethical board or committee plays a crucial role in overseeing research proposals, ensuring that ethical guidelines are followed and that the rights of participants are protected. This oversight helps maintain the integrity of the research process and fosters a culture of ethical practice within the research community.
Guidelines for Ethical Principles
The ethical conduct of research extends beyond human subjects to include the treatment of animals in research. Researchers are guided by several key ethical principles:
- Necessity: Animals should only be used in research when absolutely necessary.
- Minimization of Harm: Researchers must inflict the least amount of harm and suffering to the fewest number of animals while still achieving research objectives.
- Approval from Animal Care Committees: Researchers must obtain approval from institutional animal care and use committees before conducting studies involving animals.
Additionally, the ethical obligation to disseminate research findings is paramount. Researchers have a responsibility to share their results to ensure that valuable information reaches those who can benefit from it.
Peer Review and Ethical Obligation
Peer review is an essential component of the research process that helps ensure the quality and integrity of published work. Researchers have ethical obligations as authors and reviewers:
As Authors
- Clear Authorship: Authors must clarify primary and co-author contributions and ensure that all individuals listed as authors meet authorship criteria.
- Accurate Reporting: Authors should present accurate, unbiased information in their manuscripts.
- Notification of Misconduct: If scientific misconduct is detected, authors have a duty to report it to the appropriate authorities.
As Reviewers
- Objectivity: Peer reviewers must provide objective evaluations of submitted manuscripts, offering constructive feedback while respecting the confidentiality of the authors.
- Timeliness: Reviewers should return their assessments promptly to facilitate the timely publication of research findings.
- Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their evaluations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical considerations are fundamental to the practice of nursing research. Nurse researchers must adhere to established ethical principles that prioritize the rights and welfare of participants, ensuring that research contributes positively to the field of nursing. As the landscape of health care and research continues to evolve, it is crucial for nurse researchers to remain vigilant in upholding ethical standards and fostering a culture of integrity and respect within the research community. By doing so, they can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge.