Nationwide survey of nursing researchers regarding evaluation on the ethical review process and opinion on the ideal form of the ethical review process

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the opinions of nursing researchers on the ethical review process and relationships between their evaluations and personal and institutional variables, as well as the ideal form of the ethical review process.

Methods: A questionnaire developed for this study was distributed to 900 nursing researchers in 90 nursing universities. Participants were required to evaluate on a 5-point Likert scale 18 items regarding the ethical review process they underwent, and 11 items asking about the ideal form of the ethical review process. Demographic and institutional data were also obtained. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between answers to the questionnaire and assessed variables.

Results and discussion: Participants considered the review results to be valid, viewed the review process positively, although they considered it to be highly demanding. Positive evaluations were related to the disclosure of review criteria, notification of review results within a month, and available support system. The results also suggested that nursing researchers should understand more about being reviewed scientifically, and informed consent, and ethical review members need to be trained and entitled.

Conclusion: Improving the ethics review system is important, as is providing relevant training on this topic to nursing researchers.