Analysis of Guidelines for the Conduct of Research Adopted by Medical Schools or their Components

摘要

The existence of guidelines for the conduct of research at an institution may provide an educational tool for new or visiting researchers and an easily accessible guide for experienced researchers. Such guidelines can help promote a positive environment and avoid situations that have the appearance of, or indeed constitute, poor research practices. The current study, conducted between August and December 2000, was undertaken to address the questions: How many accredited U.S. medical schools have guidelines that relate to the conduct of research. At what organizational level were the guidelines developed. What topics are addressed by the guidelines. What behaviors are recommended by the guidelines. Packages, each consisting of a letter requesting all guidelines related to research conduct, a checklist for categories of research guidelines, and a postage-paid return envelope, were sent to the deans of 125 accredited medical schools nationwide. All schools that did not respond were contacted at least three times, with follow-up phone calls being made to the medical school's dean and research integrity officer.