Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 103
5.43. Effective communication is important not only at the point of recruitment into
a study but also throughout the research. In particular there should be a plan
for communication of results as part of the study protocol. The group results of
research should not be withheld from participants who should be informed
preferably before, or at the same time as, wider dissemination to the general
public. However, prior communication with the employer may be necessary to
enable a meaningful response to the findings.
5.44. For sensitive, high-profile topics, media pressure to disclose unsubstantiated
findings may arise, making careful timing of communication to workers is
important. Plans for communication of results should, wherever possible, be
agreed beforehand with worker representatives and the employer.
5.45. In particularly sensitive situations it might be appropriate to arrange for
counselling or discussion (of groups or individuals) to be available. In general,
individual results from studies are not disclosed. However, the individual worker
should have the right of access to their own results where possible and
procedures should be put in place to communicate those appropriately.
5.46. Consideration should be given to circumstances where research might lead to
the identification of undiagnosed illness or unknown workplace risks to workers
and
arrangements
should
be
put
in
place
for appropriate
discussion, referral and counselling.
Research ethics committees
5.47. The role of the research ethics committee (REC) is to provide a review of
research proposals which is independent of those conducting the research and
their sponsors. The aim is to protect the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of
actual or potential research participants and wider public interest or benefit in
the research outcomes, whilst taking accounts of the needs and safety of
researchers undertaking good quality research. The research ethics
committee’s review complements researchers’ own consideration of the ethical
issues raised by their research and helps promote public confidence about the
research and conduct of researchers. Research ethics committees do not
approve the entire research. Instead, they offer an opinion as to whether a given
protocol meets acceptable ethical standards.
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