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Nursing research expands the evidence base and improves clinical practice, and can be a rewarding experience for both nurses and participating patients
Keywords: Research/Consent/ Improving practice
*This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
Abstract Bowrey S, Thompson JP (2014) Nursing research: ethics, consent and good practice. Nursing Times; 110: 1/3,20-23.
Nursing practice must be based on reliable evidence and nurse education must equip practitioners with the skills to challenge existing practices, read published research critically and evaluate its role in clinical practice. Health professionals are likely to come into contact with patients taking part in clinical trials, and have a role to play in maintaining a culture of improving care using a strong evidence base.
This article explains the responsibilities of research nurses in clinical trials and how patient safety is maintained. It outlines the role of nurses in clinical research and the regulatory frameworks that underpin it, and explores the consent process and ethical principles.
In this article...
* The process of conducting medical research in the UK
* How to recruit research participants
* Issues of consent, ethics and good clinical practice
Clinical trials aim to determine the effectiveness of new treatments in clinical practice. They seek new knowledge and establish how this can be used to benefit patients. They differ from audits, which measure what we are doing and whether this meets accepted standards of practice.
Since nursing practice should always be underpinned by the best available evidence, it is essential that nurses are able to understand the research process and critically review published evidence. The role of research nurses varies between clinical specialties, academic institutions and trusts.
High-quality clinical trials usually involve a rigorous multidisciplinary process of study design, data collection, analysis and publication. Each study is different but good clinical experience, adaptability, flexibility, the ability to use initiative, attention to detail and the ability to work with minimal supervision are all essential.
Types of research
There are many definitions of "clinical trials". However, they are generally accepted to be studies that follow predefined protocols covering interventional and observational methodology.
Interventional methodology involves subjects being given specific treatment or other investigations so outcomes can be measured; in observational studies, subjects are given the treatment they would have received anyway...