A Competency Framework for Health Research Ethics Educational Programs: Results from a Stakeholder-Driven Mixed-Method Process

Sean Tackett, Chirk Jenn Ng, Jeremy Sugarman, Esther Gnanamalar Sarojini Daniel, Nishakanthi Gopalan, Tivyashinee, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Joseph Ali

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Educational programs are integral to building health research ethics (HRE) capacity, but no outcomes framework exists to guide them. We empirically developed a competency framework for health research ethics education—the Framework for Research Ethics Studies Competencies and Outcomes (FRESCO)—using mixed methods, including group concept mapping and a survey of international experts. FRESCO includes seven competency domains: (1) Foundational Knowledge; (2) Laws, Regulations, Guidelines, and Policies for Research Oversight; (3) Ethical-Issue Identification, Analysis, and Resolution; (4) Engagement, Communication, and Advocacy; (5) Lifelong Learning, Education, Research, and Scholarship; (6) Coordination, Stewardship, and Responsiveness in HRE Systems; and (7) Impartiality, Honesty, and Responsibility. These domains are detailed in 27 subdomains. Survey respondents rated FRESCO's relevance to HRE highly. FRESCO can be adapted and implemented in educational programs to refine recruitment and selection processes, educational and assessment methods, and performance measures to ensure that HRE educational programs have their intended effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-39
Number of pages11
JournalEthics & Human Research
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • bioethics
  • competency-based education
  • group concept mapping
  • international capacity development
  • research ethics
  • training

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