Research

Question 1

What are the main differences between a research study and a clinical audit?

Answer 1

Aim: RS tests a hypothesis to derive new knowledge, CA measures something against a standard for quality improvement purposes.
Ethics: RS requires ethics approval (HREC), CA usually doesn’t require ethics approval.
Data: RS involves collecting data specifically for the purposes of the RS, CA usually utilises data that is already available.
Publication: RS expectation for publication, CA can’t publish unless prior ethics approval.
Action: RS no in-built mechanism that requires the authors to act on findings, CA there is a clear responsibility to act on the data and improve processes.

Question 2

Researching involving humans must be approved by which committee?

Answer 2

Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)

Question 3

Which guidelines exist for research involving Indigenous people?

Answer 3

Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (GERAIS)

Question 4

Which ethical principles must be considered before medical research takes place?

Answer 4

Autonomy: Participants must give their free and informed consent to take part in the study. They may not be coerced. They may withdraw at any time. Special populations who are vulnerable or impaired should be approached with care.
Beneficence: Is the research likely to benefit the population being studied?
Non-maleficence: The intervention should not harm the participant. If there is some risk, the benefits should clearly outweigh the risks.The risk of harm is less with observational studies compared to experimental studies.
Justice: Fair distribution of benefits and burdens.