A relational ethical dialogue with research ethics committees

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Research Ethics Governance

Background:

• Research ethics committees (RECs) review qualitative research proposals.
• Interpreting qualitative research presents unique challenges for RECs.
• Protecting vulnerable populations in research is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply relational ethics concepts to the REC application process.
• To explore how relational ethics can improve the review of qualitative research.
• To examine safeguarding measures for vulnerable respondents within a relational ethics framework.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of a multinational qualitative research application process.
• Application of relational ethics principles to REC review dynamics.
• Conceptual exploration of shared ownership and mutual dialogue in research governance.

Main Results:

• A relational ethics approach can improve REC interpretation of qualitative proposals.
• Shared ownership and dialogue enhance the governance of qualitative research projects.
• This framework addresses safeguarding concerns for potentially vulnerable respondents.

Conclusions:

• Relational ethics offers a valuable lens for assessing qualitative research protocols.
• Researchers and RECs must reframe their roles to embrace mutual dialogue.
• This approach is particularly relevant for qualitative research on end-of-life issues.