Actual and perceived knowledge of research ethics guidelines in a sample of public health clinicians.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The conduct of research by clinicians is vital to maintain evidence-based practice and currency of clinician knowledge. However, the ability to conduct valid research is contingent on several factors including the knowledge of research ethics guidelines applicable within the researcher's location. AIMS: To compare the actual and perceived knowledge of research ethics guidelines in a sample of healthcare clinicians in a public health service. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional design utilising an anonymous online survey. RESULTS: Of the 432 valid responses, 8% were totally well calibrated on perceived and actual knowledge. A further 9% were totally miscalibrated on all items. The remaining 83% of respondents were variously miscalibrated on 1-4 items. The majority of miscalibrated responses represented overconfidence. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians are not as knowledgeable as they think about research ethics. This has implications for help-seeking behaviours within this population and highlights challenges for stakeholders in the provision of research support and education.