Supporting Ethical Research

Ethical research is research that:

• Upholds the core ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice
• Protects the rights, safety and the well-being of human subjects
• Is compliant with all applicable statutory regulations and guidelines?

Criteria for approval of a given research study

In order to be approved for a clinical study at one of SJMC’s exceptional research hospitals, the following criteria must be met in full:

• Scientific design and method of the study – research is ethically acceptable only if it relies on valid scientific methods
• Risks and potential benefits – risks are minimised, and are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits
• Appropriate selection of study population and recruitment of research participants
• Inducements, financial benefits, and financial costs – the amount and method of payment to subjects are such as to assure them, neither present problems of coercion or undue influence on the trial subjects
• Protection of research participants’ privacy and confidentiality
• Includes an informed consent process
• Respects community considerations