Ethical research
D38
You must make the care and safety of the patient your first and continuing concern.298
D39
If you undertake research on people or animals, you should seek ethical approval, where appropriate, using the relevant research ethics approval process.
D40
In the UK, the routes to ethical approval are:
- university ethics committees
- The Research Ethics Service, which is part of the Health Research Authority.299
D41
If your research involves even one NHS patient or record you should apply for ethical approval using the HRA Approval system.
D42
University research will be subject to the ethics processes in place at the individual institution.
D43
You must work within the relevant legislation; see Useful information and links section below.
D44
You must get consent from the research participants before involving them in any research project. For people who are unable to consent you will need to make an additional application.
D45
You must maintain confidentiality.
D46
You must act with honesty and integrity when designing, supervising or carrying out research.
References
298 General Optical Council (2016) Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians [Accessed 20 Nov 2020]299 Health Research Authoriry. Research Ethics Service and Research Ethics Committees [Accessed 20 Nov 2020]