A novel framework for reflecting on the functioning of research ethics review panels.
In the past decade structures and processes for the ethical review of UK health care research have undergone rapid change. Although this has focused users' attention on the functioning of review committees, it remains rare to read a substantive view from the inside. This article presents details of processes and findings resulting from a novel structured reflective exercise undertaken by a newly formed research ethics review panel in a university school of nursing and midwifery. By adopting and adapting some of the knowledge to be found in the art and science of malt whisky tasting, a framework for critical reflection is presented and applied. This enables analysis of the main contemporary issues for a review panel that is primarily concerned with research into nursing education and practice. In addition to structuring the panel's own literary narrative, the framework also generates useful visual representation for further reflection. Both the analysis of issues and the framework itself are presented as of potential value to all nurses, health care professionals and educationalists with an interest in ethical review.
Macduff
Colin
C
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QG, Scotland, UK. c.macduff@rgu.ac.uk
McKie
Andrew
A
Martindale
Sheelagh
S
Rennie
Anne Marie
AM
West
Bernice
B
Wilcock
Sylvia
S
D026689:Ethical Analysis / Q000379:methods; D026724:Ethical Review; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D032984:Ethics, Research; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D006113:United Kingdom