Research ethics applications

Many radiographers only approach the purpose and remit of research ethical reviews when applying for approval to commence research projects. However, professional bodies, including the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR)^1-3 and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)^4-6, as well as regulatory bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)^7-9, promote learning about ethics because its principles have a significant impact on day-to-day clinical practice and education as well as on research.

Generally speaking, education on the theory of ethics follows “do no harm” principles and the four tenets of “autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice”¹⁰. But practical advice on completing research ethical approval forms is often lacking, causing amendments that delay the approval¹¹, which results in the opinion that research ethics applications are bureaucratic processes, are abundant in the duplication of paperwork or...