Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE)

Bockhold, S.; McNulty, J.; Abdurakman, E.; Bezzina, P.; Drey, N.; England, A.; Flinton, D.; Khine, R.; McEntee, Mark F.; Mekiš, N.; Precht, H.; Rainford, L.; Sá dos Reis, C.; Santos, A.; Syrgiamiotis, V.; Willis, S.; Woodley, J.; Beardmore, C.; Harri,s R.; O'Regan, T.; Malamateniou, C.

Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE)

cb

Files

1-s2.0-S1078817422000967-main.pdf(676.87 KB)

Published Version

Date

2022

Authors

Bockhold, S.

McNulty, J.

Abdurakman, E.

Bezzina, P.

Drey, N.

England, A.

Flinton, D.

Khine, R.

McEntee, Mark F.

Mekiš, N.

Show 10 more

Publisher

W.B. Saunders Ltd

Published Version

10.1016/j.radi.2022.07.002

Abstract

Introduction: The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aims to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of current research ethics systems, processes, and awareness of such, across Europe together with identifying the associated challenges, education, and training needs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted. Data collection took place between April 26 and July 12, 2021, using a snowball sampling approach. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify trends in research ethics frameworks across Europe. Results: 285 responses were received across 33 European and 23 non-European countries. Most (n = 221; 95%) European respondents stated ethics approval is required before commencing research in their country. Requirements around research ethics approval and awareness of such requirements varied by European region (X2 (2, n = 129) = 7.234, p = 0.013) and were found to differ depending on the type of research participant and study design. Additionally, European respondents reported ethics approval is a national requirement more often than their non-European counterparts (X2 (1, n = 282) = 4.316, p = 0.049). Requirements for ethics approval were also associated with the undergraduate programme duration (2-year vs. 3-year vs. 3.5 year vs. 4-year vs. multiple programme durations; X2 (4, n = 231) = 10.075, p = 0.016) and availability of postgraduate training (postgraduate training available vs. postgraduate training not available; X2 (1, n = 231) = 15.448, p = <0.001) within respondents' country. Conclusion: Respondents from countries with longer programme durations/availability of multiple programme lengths, availability of postgraduate training, and establishment of European Qualifications Framework Level 6 were generally associated with less uncertainty and more comprehensive research ethics requirements. Implications for practice: Results are informative of the current status of research ethics within evidence-based radiography.

Keywords

Processes , Radiography , Research ethics , Standards

Citation

Bockhold, S., McNulty, J., Abdurakman, E., Bezzina, P., Drey, N., England, A., Flinton, D., Khine, R., McEntee, M., Mekiš, N. and Precht, H. (2022) 'Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE)', Radiography, 28(4), pp.1032-1041. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.07.002