Trust in the System: Research Ethics Committees and the Regulation of Biomedical Research

Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are groups of people from all over the UK that decide what kind of research should be carried out on patients within the NHS. They help shape the future of medicine and play a crucial role in the regulation of a wide range of research. This book provides an in-depth insight into RECs and challenges the impersonal, de-socialized, and mechanical models of REC decision-making.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Every month, groups of people from all over the United Kingdom come together to decide the kind of research that should be carried out on patients within the National Health Service (NHS). These groups, known as Research Ethics Committees (RECs), are comprised of doctors, nurses, researchers, and members of the general public. Their role is crucial in shaping the future of medicine and playing a vital role in regulating a wide range of research, from social science to epidemiology, vaccine and drug trials to surgery.

In order to provide an in-depth insight into RECs, one of the most crucial forms of regulation around medical research, this book has been meticulously researched through extensive observations, interviews, and archival research. By offering one of the first empirical examinations of this kind of regulation, this book challenges the impersonal, de-socialized, and mechanical models of REC decision-making.

The book begins by providing an overview of the history and development of RECs in the UK. It explains how they were established in response to the need for ethical oversight of medical research and how they have evolved to meet the changing demands of the research community. The book then delves into the composition and functions of RECs, including their role in reviewing research proposals, assessing the risks and benefits of research, and making recommendations to the NHS on whether or not research should proceed.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of transparency and accountability in REC decision-making. The authors argue that RECs should be open and transparent about their processes and decisions, and that they should be accountable to the public and other stakeholders. This includes providing clear information about the composition of RECs, the criteria they use to evaluate research proposals, and the decisions they make.

The book also explores the challenges and complexities that RECs face in their work. These include balancing the interests of patients, researchers, and the wider public, navigating ethical dilemmas, and ensuring that research is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. The authors provide examples of real-world cases that highlight the challenges and complexities of REC decision-making, and offer insights into how RECs can navigate these challenges effectively.

Another important theme of the book is the role of RECs in promoting ethical research practices. The authors argue that RECs play a crucial role in ensuring that research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, and that they can help to promote the ethical conduct of research by providing guidance and advice to researchers. This includes promoting the use of ethical frameworks and guidelines, and providing training and education to researchers on ethical issues.

In conclusion, this book provides an invaluable insight into RECs, one of the most crucial forms of regulation around medical research. By challenging the impersonal, de-socialized, and mechanical models of REC decision-making, the book offers a fresh perspective on the role of RECs in shaping the future of medicine and promoting ethical research practices. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in medical research, ethics, and the regulation of research.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526167057