Posted: January 23rd, 2025

Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research: The Role of Institutional Review Boards

Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research: The Role of Institutional Review Boards
Research in the field of nursing is critical for advancing knowledge and improving patient care practices. However, conducting research involves navigating a complex web of ethical considerations. Compliance with ethical standards is paramount to protect participants and uphold the integrity of the research process. In 2019, a review emphasized that research ethics hinge on obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant safety, and safeguarding confidentiality (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). These principles serve as the cornerstone for ethical research practices.

Importance of Informed Consent
Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in research. It entails providing potential participants with comprehensive information about the study, allowing them to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their involvement. Researchers must communicate the purpose of the study, procedures, possible risks, and the right to withdraw at any time without penalty. A study by Boulton et al. (2018) noted that misunderstanding the information presented during the consent process can lead to ethical violations and mistrust among participants. Emphasizing transparency and clarity in this process is essential to foster trust and respect among researchers and participants.

Safeguarding Against Harm
Protecting participants from harm is another cornerstone of ethical research. Researchers have a responsibility to minimize risks related to participation in studies. This includes physical harm, psychological distress, and social or economic repercussions. A systematic review by Fisher and McGowan (2021) highlighted instances where failure to adequately address potential risks led to significant adverse effects on participants. Therefore, ethical oversight, such as that provided by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), plays a crucial role in safeguarding participants by evaluating research proposals for potential risks.

Role of Institutional Review Boards
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are essential in ensuring ethical oversight of research activities. Their primary function is to review research protocols to ascertain that ethical standards are upheld. This review process helps identify potential ethical issues before the study begins. IRBs also monitor ongoing studies to ensure compliance with ethical practices throughout the research period. A study by Goodwin et al. (2021) indicated that IRBs significantly enhance the ethical quality of research by providing independent evaluations and enforcing necessary amendments to research protocols.

The influence of IRBs extends beyond compliance; they can shape the research process itself. Their feedback may require researchers to modify methods to enhance participant safety or address ethical concerns, thus ensuring a higher standard of ethical research. Additionally, IRBs help establish protocols that align with the principles of justice, beneficence, and respect for persons, which are fundamental to ethical research practice.

Mandatory Compliance Across Settings
The process of obtaining research approval can vary widely across clinical settings. Organizations often establish nursing research committees that play a role in advancing evidence-based practice (Pintz et al., 2018). These committees facilitate the submission of research proposals to the IRB, ensuring that studies undergo comprehensive ethical reviews. In institutions lacking a dedicated nursing research committee, proposals may be directed to nursing leaders or the IRB directly, which may occasionally process a higher volume of applications. The presence or absence of a structured committee can impact the thoroughness of the review process.

Conclusion
In summary, ethical considerations, particularly informed consent and the protection of participants from harm, are crucial in nursing research. IRBs serve a vital function in reviewing research protocols to ensure ethical adherence. Their oversight promotes compliance and enhances the overall quality of research conducted within healthcare environments. A consistent and thorough review process contributes to the well-being of participants and fosters trust between researchers and the communities they serve. Upholding ethical standards is not only a regulatory obligation but also a moral imperative that underpins the integrity of nursing research.

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Discussion week 3

Based on this week’s readings:

From Chapter:19

The conduct of any research project requires consideration of ethical issues. The most important of these concerns includes obtaining informed consent of the participants, protecting participants from harm, and protection of participant privacy. Ethical principles are derived from various national and international statements of principles for the conduct of healthcare–related research, legal requirements primarily at the federal level, as well as regulations at the institutional, governmental, and professional levels. The foundations of the regulatory structure are processes for reviewing, approving, and monitoring research at the institutional level, with accountability to governmental, funding, and professional authorities. The primary responsibility for compliance rests with the individuals conducting the research, specifically the principal investigator and the institutions at which the research is conducted. If conducting international research the regulatory processes are different.

The process of obtaining approval to conduct a research study varies among clinical settings. Many organizations have a nursing research committee (Pintz et al., 2018) that promotes the integration and acculturation of evidence-based practice (EBP) generating nursing research. The research proposals are then submitted to the institutional review board (IRB) or the hospital nursing research committee to examine issues related to the protection of participants from the risks of participating in research. At institutions without a nursing research committee, research proposals may go to the director of nursing research or the institution’s nurse scientist, if there is one, but generally go directly to the IRB for review with all of the other research protocols.

Discuss the need for institutional review boards (IRBs). How can they potentially affect or impact a study? Give a couple of examples [minimum 3].

Please remember for discussion posts: the initial post must be uploaded by the WEDNESDAY of the week and two replies to your peers by Saturday at 2359.

Please be sure to adhere to the following when posting your weekly discussions:

As a reminder, all discussion posts must be a minimum of 350 words initial and 250 words peer responses, references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition and must include a minimum of 3 scholarly resources published within the past 5 years.

Please note the grading rubric for the discussion board.

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Revised Text:
Based on this week’s readings:

From Chapter 19, the conduct of any research project requires consideration of ethical issues. These ethical considerations ensure that the dignity and safety of participants are prioritized throughout the research process. The most important of these concerns includes obtaining informed consent of the participants, protecting participants from harm, and protection of participant privacy. Researchers must actively engage with participants to ensure their understanding and comfort with the process, reinforcing trust throughout the study.

Ethical principles are derived from various national and international statements of principles for the conduct of healthcare-related research, legal requirements primarily at the federal level, as well as regulations at the institutional, governmental, and professional levels. This comprehensive framework helps to guide researchers in upholding the highest ethical standards. The foundations of the regulatory structure are processes for reviewing, approving, and monitoring research at the institutional level, with accountability to governmental, funding, and professional authorities. Transparency in the research process fosters public confidence and enhances the credibility of the findings.

The primary responsibility for compliance rests with the individuals conducting the research, specifically the principal investigator and the institutions at which the research is conducted. Their roles are critical in maintaining ethical standards and promoting participant welfare. If conducting international research, the regulatory processes are different, and researchers must familiarize themselves with the local ethical guidelines and regulations.

The process of obtaining approval to conduct a research study varies among clinical settings. This variability can lead to disparities in research quality and ethical oversight across institutions. Many organizations have a nursing research committee (Pintz et al., 2018) that promotes the integration and acculturation of evidence-based practice (EBP) generating nursing research. These committees serve as essential resources for guiding researchers through the ethical considerations necessary for robust study design.

The research proposals are then submitted to the institutional review board (IRB) or the hospital nursing research committee to examine issues related to the protection of participants from the risks of participating in research. IRBs play a vital role in safeguarding participants’ rights and welfare. At institutions without a nursing research committee, research proposals may go to the director of nursing research or the institution’s nurse scientist, if there is one, but generally go directly to the IRB for review with all of the other research protocols. This direct review ensures that all research proposals adhere to ethical guidelines, thereby protecting participant interests.

Discuss the need for institutional review boards (IRBs). How can they potentially affect or impact a study? Give a couple of examples [minimum 3]. IRBs are fundamental in maintaining ethical integrity in research, serving as a checkpoint to address potential ethical concerns. For instance, IRBs can halt a study if significant risks to participant safety are identified, thus avoiding harm.

Please remember for discussion posts: the initial post must be uploaded by the WEDNESDAY of the week and two replies to your peers by Saturday at 2359. Adhering to deadlines is crucial for meaningful engagement and dialogue within the class.

Please be sure to adhere to the following when posting your weekly discussions: this structured approach ensures clarity and consistency across posts. As a reminder, all discussion posts must be a minimum of 350 words initial and 250 words peer responses, and references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition, and must include a minimum of 3 scholarly resources published within the past 5 years. Accurate citations are essential for upholding academic integrity and providing credit to original authors.

Please note the grading rubric for the discussion board. Understanding the assessment criteria can help you align your posts with the expectations set forth by the instructor.

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Tags: ethical research, informed consent, institutional review boards, nursing research, participant protection