The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7259 p118
26 July 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Research governance

Help is available

From Dr J. Silcock, MRPharmS

Tully and Cantrill (PDF 120K) provide a clear and practical guide to the research governance framework for health and social care (PJ, 12 July, p51). I know from experience that guiding novice researchers and experienced practitioners through the new administrative maze is not always easy. Unfortunately, the application of the guidelines (eg, by different ethics committees) and governance awareness of potential research collaborators may both be a little variable. This means individual researchers need a good working knowledge of the framework to deal with issues that may be identified, ensure high ethical standards and educate their peers.

Lone practitioners may find it particularly useful to know that there is an NHS-funded national research help line: RD Direct. Advice on any aspect of research can be obtained via the web (www.rddirect.org.uk) or telephone (0113 295 1122). Related services also offer advice on research funding (www.rdinfo.org.uk) and research training (www.rdlearning.org.uk).

Jon Silcock
Research Practitioner
University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

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