Ethical principles in healthcare research

Abstract

Ethical issues permeate the entire research process from the identification of the research question and selection of research participants, to dissemination of findings. This chapter identifies some of the historical influences informing the development of research ethics frameworks internationally. The author then moves to highlight some of the key ethical issues that need to be considered throughout the various elements of the research process. Some of the important principles underlying research ethics frameworks are identified and interpreted within the context of the research process.