Research governance and ethics

Research governance and ethics have become an important part of healthcare practice in determining quality of service (audit) and the creation of new knowledge (research). This chapter considers how research, particularly clinical research, is governed by looking at the historical development of the underlying ethical principles and the practical aspects to be taken into account when undergoing ethical review. In addition, a glossary of relevant terms is provided (p. 59). Research governance should not be confused with clinical governance, although the two can be linked, in that clinical governance may be supported, investigated and measured utilizing research/audit. Clinical governance looks at the activities involved in delivering high-quality care to patients whereas research governance encompasses a ‘broad range of regulations, principles and standards of good practice that exist to achieve, and continuously improve, research quality across all aspects of healthcare in the UK and worldwide’.