Research governance
Research Governance can be defined as the 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.
Who does it apply to?
Research Governance applies to everyone connected to healthcare research whether as; a Chief Investigator, Local Collaborator, Care Professional, Researcher, their employer(s) or support staff.
By healthcare research, we mean any health-related research which involves humans, their tissue and/or data.
Examples of such research would include:
Analysis of data from a patient's medical notes
Observations
Conducting surveys
Using non-invasive imaging
Using blood or other tissue samples
Inclusion in trials of drugs, devices, surgical procedures or other treatments
If you are involved in research of this kind, it is important that you are aware of your obligations to the healthcare research process. You must also be aware of the Trust's research conduct procedures.
Why is it needed?
Research Governance is needed to:
Safeguard participants in research
Protect researchers/investigators (by providing a clear framework to work within)
Enhance ethical and scientific quality
Minimise risk
Monitor practice and performance
Promote good practice and ensure lessons are learned