Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE).

The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aims to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of current research ethics systems, processes, and awareness of such, across Europe together with identifying the associated challenges, education, and training needs. A cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted. Data collection took place between April 26 and July 12, 2021, using a snowball sampling approach. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify trends in research ethics frameworks across Europe. 285 responses were received across 33 European and 23 non-European countries. Most (n = 221; 95%) European respondents stated ethics approval is required before commencing research in their country. Requirements around research ethics approval and awareness of such requirements varied by European region (X Respondents from countries with longer programme durations/availability of multiple programme lengths, availability of postgraduate training, and establishment of European Qualifications Framework Level 6 were generally associated with less uncertainty and more comprehensive research ethics requirements. Results are informative of the current status of research ethics within evidence-based radiography.

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Declaration of interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Authors JMcN, PB, AE, RK, MMcE, NM, HP, LR, VS, CB, and CM hold, or have held, voluntary roles linked to research activity within the European Federation of Radiographer Societies. All authors hold, or have held, research roles within their organisation. Authors JMcN, PB, AE, DF, RK, MMcE, NM, HP, AS, VS, CB, RH, TOR, and CM hold, or have held, roles within their national professional societies. JMcN (Editor in Chief, Radiography), AE (Associate Editor, Radiography), and MMcE (Deputy Editor, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences) hold editorial roles within the identified professional journals. NM, HP, LR, and CM hold journal advisory roles.