Discussion On Ethics And Human Protection Course

Discussion 1the Ethics And Human Protection Course Is A Very Useful R

The Ethics and Human Protection course is a valuable resource that provides comprehensive information related to ethics, ethical committees, informed consent, ethical issues, and solutions for various problems. The course emphasizes the history of ethics and the evolution of research conduct over time. It enhances healthcare providers' knowledge of handling ethical dilemmas and promotes ethical practices in research and clinical settings.

An essential element for the protection of human subjects in research globally is the review and approval of proposed studies by an independent committee known in the United States as an Institutional Review Board (IRB). According to Pritchard (2011), the IRB plays a crucial role in safeguarding human subjects by evaluating ethical considerations and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Cook and Hoas (2011) highlight that although many institutions still operate their own IRBs, new entities such as commercial IRBs and community-based IRBs are emerging as significant oversight mechanisms. These diverse types of IRBs contribute to maintaining high ethical standards across various research environments.

In my organization, an ethics committee and nursing research council serve vital roles. The nursing research council aims to foster inquiry into nursing practices by providing a platform for strategic planning, guidance, and oversight of nursing research and evidence-based practice. Its members include registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists, educators, nursing leaders, decision support personnel, IRB liaisons, senior leaders, and university faculty.

The ethics committee supports both patients and staff by providing ethical guidance for clinical dilemmas and research activities. They review data related to nursing practice, assist with policy development, and resolve ethical conflicts. Their consultation offers recommendations that aid healthcare team members and patients or families in decision-making processes. The committee also educates staff about clinical ethics and ensures policies align with ethical standards.

Any research or surveys conducted within the organization require prior approval from the ethics committee to prevent conflicts and ensure compliance with federal guidelines. Securing informed consent from all participants is critical, and committee members should possess relevant qualifications, complete orientation, and adhere to confidentiality protocols. Ethical oversight ensures participant protection and promotes integrity in research activities.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of ethics and human protection in healthcare research cannot be overstated. Ethical considerations serve as the foundation for conducting research responsibly and protecting vulnerable populations. Educational courses on ethics, such as the one discussed, provide essential knowledge to healthcare professionals, emphasizing the significance of ethical standards, historical context, and practical applications in clinical and research settings.

Institutional review boards (IRBs) are central to ethical oversight, ensuring that research adheres to legal and moral standards. The IRB's primary role is to evaluate research proposals, assess risks and benefits, and safeguard participants' rights. In the United States, this is mandated by federal regulations (Pritchard, 2011). The formation of commercial and community IRBs indicates the broadening scope of oversight, aiming to improve accessibility and efficiency without compromising ethical rigor (Cook & Hoas, 2011).

Within healthcare institutions, ethics committees are integral to fostering an ethical culture. These committees facilitate clinical decision-making, especially when complex moral issues or conflicts arise. They provide guidance on issues such as end-of-life care, consent processes, and confidentiality, ensuring that patient rights are protected while promoting high standards of care (American Medical Association, 2020).

The role of nursing research councils and ethics committees extends beyond mere oversight; they also contribute to continuous education and policy development. These groups function as watchdogs, ensuring that research methodologies are sound, risks are minimized, and participants are informed and voluntary contributors. Such measures uphold public trust and integrity in healthcare research (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

In practice, obtaining informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research. It ensures that participants are aware of the purpose, risks, benefits, and voluntary nature of participation. Compliance with consent procedures and other regulatory requirements is essential to meet federal standards and to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation (Gupta, 2013). Moreover, ongoing monitoring and safety evaluations are vital components of responsible research conduct, especially in high-phase trials (National Institutes of Health, 2019).

Overall, ethical oversight mechanisms such as IRBs and hospital ethics committees are vital for maintaining research integrity and patient safety. Their effective operation fosters trust between researchers and participants, supports the development of ethical policies, and ensures that healthcare practices align with moral principles. Continuous education and adherence to federal guidelines uphold the standards necessary to advance health sciences ethically and responsibly.

References

• American Medical Association. (2020). Code of Medical Ethics. AMA Journal of Ethics.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Cook, D. J., & Hoas, H. (2011). Institutional Review Boards and Human Subject Protection. Journal of Clinical Ethics, 22(4), 321-325.
• Gupta, S. (2013). Ethical Principles and Informed Consent. Medical Law Journal, 12(3), 45-50.
• Pritchard, G. (2011). The Role of Independent Review Boards in Human Research. Ethics in Medicine, 27(1), 1-4.
• National Institutes of Health. (2019). Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of Clinical Trials. NIH Publication.
• Tampa General Hospital. (2014). IRB Review Process and Composition. Internal Documentation.