Considerable clinical research takes place within the RQHR. The general intent of this research is to contribute to human welfare by acquiring knowledge and applying it toward prevention, assessment and treatment of illness. In other words, clinical researchers attempt to answer the questions that will assist in improving the health and well-being of others.
All research which is to be conducted within and/or under the auspices of the RQHR must be approved by the Research Ethics Board prior to commencement. This approval ensures that generally accepted ethical guidelines (e.g., Medical Research Council of Canada, 1987; Tri-Council Working Group, 1997; ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICH GCPs), 1997) are met and followed.
The intent of the Board is to assist the clinical researcher in meeting generally accepted research ethics guidelines and to advise on the ethical acceptability of proposed research procedures. The main functions are to protect the rights and welfare of research participants, to curtail potential problems for the researcher, and to ensure the conduct of ethical research practices within the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.
