New UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
The Health Research Authority has published a new UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
This Framework applies to health and social care research involving patients, service users or their relatives or carers. Developed by the Health Research Authority and the health departments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it replaces the separate Research Governance Frameworks in each UK country with a single, modern set of principles for the whole UK.
‘These principles protect and promote the interests of patients, service users and the public in health and social care research, by describing ethical conduct and proportionate, assurance-based management of health and social care research, so as to support and facilitate high-quality research in the UK that has the confidence of patients, service users and the public.’
The Framework and its principles apply to individuals and institutions with responsibilities for health and social care research, including researchers and their employers, research sites and care providers, sponsors and funding bodies.
A copy of the Framework can be downloaded here: UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research