Medical investigators' views about ethics and fraud in medical research.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the views and attitudes of medical investigators on medical ethics, and ethics and fraud in medical research. We sent postal questionnaires to all principal investigators whose study protocols had been assessed by their regional medical ethics committee for biomedical research (mid-Norway) in the years 1986-92 (n = 159). The response rate was 70% (n = 119).

[Medical research and the ethics committee. A questionnaire study among project leaders in the health region 4].

All 159 principal investigators whose projects had been assessed by the biomedical research ethics committee in Health Region 4 (Central Norway) during 1986-92 were asked to complete a questionnaire about medical research ethics and the work of the ethics committee. Their answers about scientific fraud and misconduct have been published previously. This paper reports how the 119 respondents (70% of those addressed) regard the role and work of the ethics committees and how they perceived the committee's assessment of their own project.

[Medical research and ethics. A questionnaire study among project leaders in the health region 4].

A questionnaire survey concerning attitudes to medical research ethics and the ethics committee was conducted among the 159 principal investigators whose protocols had been assessed by the regional ethics committee for biomedical research in the years 1986-92. Of the 119 respondents, 80% agreed that results of medical research can be misused and more than 60% that the public should have insight into and access to research results. More than half said it might be necessary to withhold results and that individual investigators should be able to do so to prevent misuse.

[Misconduct in medical research. A questionnaire survey among project leaders in health region 4].

During the period 1986-92, a questionnaire survey was conducted among research project administrators whose study protocols were assessed by the ethical committee for biomedical research in Health region 4 (Central Norway). The questions referred to the scientists' attitudes towards medical research ethics in general, and their views on the work of the committee. They were also asked to comment on seven statements about scientific fraud and misconduct.

[Dishonesty in medical research. A questionnaire study among project administrators in Health Region 4].

During the period 1986-92, a questionnaire survey was conducted among research project administrators whose study protocols were assessed by the ethical committee for biomedical research in Health region 4 (Central Norway). The questions referred to the scientists' attitudes towards medical research ethics in general, and their views on the work of the committee. They were also asked to comment on seven statements about scientific fraud and misconduct.