University Community Hospital has recently been criticized for its less-than-perfect patient care. In an attempt to curb negative implications, the administrators at the hospital decided that it was time to review their healthcare policies and practices using an analytical research study. Understanding the importance of ethical practices when conducting scientific research, the administrators reviewed the types of research to be conducted (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). They also realized that the scientific community expects researchers to adhere to ethical and scientific guidelines when collecting and analyzing data. In addition, the reporting function needs to be completed with integrity. Other concerns are to not cause harm to participants in the study and to maintain their confidentiality. Obtaining informed consent and the necessary approval and accurately reporting the findings are also part of ethical healthcare research practices.

For this report, incorporate the following questions:

1. When you involve human participants in any scientific research, what obligations do you have?
2. What are the four basic ethical principles guiding research?
3. What steps need to be taken before conducting a study?
4. What needs to be communicated to participants when starting and conducting a research study?
5. What principles should you consider when reporting and sharing the results of your research?
6. Unethical conduct can harm vulnerable groups through what?
7. What does the Nuremberg Code describe?
8. The Declaration of Helsinki addresses what recommendations?
9. What is true about the Tuskegee syphilis study?
10. What is true about the Belmont Report of 1979?
11. What will not enhance the integrity of a research study?