Nurses’ knowledge of research ethics committees: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Nurses, as the most frequent providers of healthcare services, play a key role in nursing research. Their knowledge of ethics ensures scientific quality and respect for human rights.

Objectives

To identify nurses’ knowledge of Research Ethics Committees (REC) and to explore barriers and facilitators to access.

Research design

Descriptive cross-sectional study of nurses from two Spanish hospitals, conducted in March-April 2025, using ad hoc questionnaire.

Ethical considerations

Participants’ confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed. All participants provided informed consent.

Results

A total of 224 nurses responded. The mean age was 43.15 years (SD 9.45), and the mean length of professional experience was 18.97 years (SD 9.53). More than 67% were aware of the definition and functions of the REC. Only 45.5% knew that a lay member is required as part of its composition. A total of 55.8% knew how to properly obtain informed consent, and between 41.5% and 65.2% were aware of its use in studies involving minors or image-based research. Previous research experience was associated with higher overall knowledge, although not with knowledge related to informed consent. Lack of knowledge and/or training was the main barrier in both hospitals, significantly higher in Hospital B (p < 0.001) and among nurses without prior research experience (p < 0.001). The Research Support Unit (RSU) was identified as the main facilitator in Hospital A compared with Hospital B.

Conclusions

Participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of the definition and functions of REC, but limited understanding of their composition and accessibility. Gaps were also identified in the use of informed consent, particularly in studies involving minors. Lack of training was the main barrier, while the RSU was the main facilitator. REC should improve their accessibility and promote dissemination strategies, training in research ethics, and mentoring in order to reduce barriers and facilitate nurses’ engagement in research.