Ethical Issues

Following on from the structured session and practicing on the provided info I had a go at considering my own research and associated ethical issues. From the MMU form I answered yes to quite a few questions then was not at all sure about the answers so below are my initial thoughts … lots of advice needed…

Does the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or unable to give informed consent (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities, your own students)?

All the children involved in the study have a designated additional need (disability) of some description in order to be eligible to access the provision of donkey-assisted therapy at the Centres. Some of the participants may be able to take part themselves but are unlikely to be able to give a comprehensive response to questionnaires and their parent(s)/carer(s) information will still be required in addition to the child’s. In some cases the child may be unable physically or cognitively to contribute directly in the study.
Children participating in the study will have already completed a consent form giving details of individual needs and contact details however this has not made any reference to research work and may need a complete redesign to ensure it is explicit or a separate form developed.

Will the study require the co-operation of a gatekeeper for initial access to the groups or individuals to be recruited (e.g. students at school, members of self-help group, nursing home residents)?

Many children attending the Centres do so with their schools, carers or other charities. Although this is not initial access, as all the children will have attended or be attending a Centre carrying out research will require ‘gatekeeper’ access to some children who have previously attended the Centres and also where direct contact with parent(s)/carer(s) is not being made. The rationale behind any information collection will have to be made very clear in written format and also accessible to families taking part who may not have English as a first language – the ‘gatekeepers’ would be the source of this information.

Will the study involve the use of participants’ images or sensitive data (e.g. participants personal details stored electronically, image capture techniques)?

Currently the names, contact details and the primary disability of every child attending a Centre regularly is recorded on the charity data base. In addition other sensitive data which informs the participation and progress of the children is recorded manually in a file locked securely away from anyone not requiring access, for example the riding instructors need access to inform individual lessons. It is not envisaged at this time that any child would need identifying in any way but if in depth qualitative interviews took place it is possible a child could be identifiable especially to the staff and volunteers working at the Centre. The use of the children’s images is not planned, however, many of our parents enjoy being part of media work carried out, and contribute hugely, to the profile and fundraising, of the Charity. This is not in any way an aim of the research but may well become a ‘by product’.

Has appropriate assessment of risk been undertaken in relation to this project?

This has not yet been carried out but will be completed by myself using our standardised forms, submitted and authorised by the Health & Safety officer for the Charity. The Trustees are involved and would also be approved by their Risk Management sub-committee.

Faculty specific question, e.g., will the study sample group exceed the minimum effective size?

Not sure how this would affect but potentially this work could include data from thousands of children and families. It sounds as if there is an identified optimum/recommended size which will have selection implications.