Ethics in Medical Research: A Handbook of Good Practice

Description

This is a comprehensive and practical guide to the ethical issues raised by different kinds of medical research, and is the first such book to be written with the needs of the researcher in mind. Clearly structured and written in a plain and accessible style, the book covers every significant ethical issue likely to be faced by researchers and research ethics committees. The author outlines and clarifies official guidelines, gives practical advice on how to adhere to these, and suggests procedures in areas where official recommendations are vague or absent. This invaluable handbook will help researchers identify and address the ethical issues at an early stage in the design of their studies, to avoid unnecessary delay and to safeguard the wellbeing of patients and healthy volunteers. It will also be extremely useful to members of research ethics committees.

'This is a very comprehensive volume on the process of medical research ethics ... the chapter on questionnaire and interview studies is extremely helpful, especially for those who find themselves having to construct a questionnaire and/or interview schedule ... this book enables the reader to ask critical questions not only of disseminated research findings but more importantly of the research process involved. Surely this knowledge is vital for an ethically-based as well as evidence-based practice?' Nursing Ethics 'Institutionalised bioethics is undergoing worldwide standardisation, and this book contains much useful advice.' Neuroradiology 'Anyone lacking experience in completing an application form for submission to a British research ethics committee and in undertaking medical research might do well to start here.' Medicine, Healthcare and Philosophy, A European Journal 'This book offers much sensible advice and comment as well as a comprehensive bibliography. it will be useful to researchers who are preparing applications and members of ethnical committees.' B. Ashworth, Proc R Coll Physicians, Edinburgh