A practical guide to obtaining research ethics approval in the UK

This article examines the permissions and approvals required for nurses and other health professionals to conduct research in the NHS in the U.K. today. A fictitious example of a research study conducted by a nurse who did not obtain NHS research ethics committee (REC) approval is provided. The current position regarding the REC approval process, including the role of ethics in research governance, is explored. The differences between research, audit and service evaluation are explained. Finally, the main ethical issues to be addressed in an application for REC approval are summarised.