GMC guidance on research

16 April 2010

DOCTORS involved in research can access new guidance from the GMC.

The two-part guidance provides a framework to steer all doctors through the various stages of a research project, from research design, recruiting participants, seeking consent and the publication of research.

The documents Good practice in research and Consent to research remind doctors that maintaining patients’ dignity, safety and wellbeing is more important than developing treatments and furthering knowledge.

The guidance includes advice on avoiding conflicts of interest; considering young people’s role in research; the duty of doctors to tell patients about the risks and benefits of research; involving vulnerable patients and making sure the research is open to all.

Ros Levenson, Chair of the GMC’s Standards and Ethics Reference Group said: “The guidance takes account of recent changes to legislation and in society as well as views expressed during consultation. It is not intended to offer answers to all doctors’ questions, and in some cases will point them in the direction of other existing guidance, but it is intended to be a useful starting point for all doctors involved in research, whatever their role might be.”

The guidance can be accessed on the GMC’s website here