Perceptions, Understandings, and Practices in Clinical Research Ethics among Medical Postgraduates in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Research methodology is now part of the MBBS curriculum, which is a substantial adjustment to MCI standards. Objective: To assess the student's comprehension of the subject, level of interest and how it is used in clinical studies. Methods: We created a standard set of 25 questionnaires to assess postgraduate and PhD students' attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about research ethics and committees. Statistical analysis was used to compare the mean knowledge scores of several groups (age, gender, education, past research experience, etc.). Results: Students had a good attitude and understanding of research ethics and research ethics committees. We observed that past research experience and training are critical in predicting knowledge ratings. The study findings indicated a significant difference in the mean knowledge score depending on past research experience. Similarly, we observed that prior research ethics training had a significant impact on mean scores. Conclusions: A functioning research ethics committee should be present in every hospital. Students should be informed of the role and responsibilities of the ethics committee. Students must be informed of research ethics before undertaking any human subjects research. To broaden student comprehension, the ethics committee must offer seminars, workshops, and conferences on a regular basis.