title: Research ethics for clinical researchers.
abstract: This chapter describes the history of the development of modern research ethics. The governance of research ethics is discussed and varies according to geographical location. However, the guidelines used for research ethics review are very similar across a wide variety of jurisdictions. The paramount importance of protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research participants is discussed at length. Particular emphasis is placed on the process of informed consent, and step-by-step practical guidelines are described. The issue of research in vulnerable populations is touched upon and guidelines are provided. Practical advice is provided for researchers to guide their interactions with research ethics boards. Issues related to scientific misconduct and research fraud are not dealt with in this paper.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology, Patient Research Centre, Health Science Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3V6, jharnett@mun.ca.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Harnett
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Neuman
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research / Q000941:ethics; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D018907:Privacy; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000941:ethics*