Research ethics relate to three groups of perioperative nurses: those who undertake research within the clinical area, those clinically responsible for patients taking part in research studies or trials, and finally the students and qualified staff who critique research articles and want to ensure that the standard of ethical rigour is acceptable. This article contains guidelines based on essential research ethical principles for each of these three groups and outlines the application process for gaining ethical approval.
HollandK, ReesC2010Nursing: Evidence-based practice skillsOxford, Oxford University Press
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National Research Ethics Service2009Defining Research: Guidance to help you decide if your project requires review by a research ethics committee Available from: www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk/applications/ [Accessed January 2011]
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ReesC2011Introduction to Research for Midwives3rd editionEdinburgh, Churchill Livingstone
