Clinical
A practical guide to attaining research ethics approval in the UK
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.
