Final answer:
Nurse researchers must have their research protocols approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure ethical standards and participant safety. The IRB reviews details like consent processes, risks, and data management plans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to conducting research, nurse researchers must have their research protocols approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is an oversight committee typically housed within a research institution, such as a university, and includes administrators, scientists, and community members. This board reviews and approves proposed research studies involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are adhered to and that the safety and rights of participants are protected. Protocols must include detailed information on the research plan, such as consent procedures, risk mitigation strategies, confidentiality measures, and plans for data management.
The IRB's role is to ascertain that potential risks to participants are minimized and reasonable in relation to the benefits, and that all participants provide informed consent. This consent process involves clearly explaining the risks and obtaining written agreement from study subjects. Researchers conducting medical and sociocultural studies must also consider additional protocols specific to the culture or institution involved in the research.