Complaints

In April 1998 the HEERC approved the use and wording of the University's ethical paragraphs for inclusion in all information sheets to be released to participants of research involving humans.

The University's ethical paragraph provides an avenue for the participants to contact an officer of the University who is not connected with the project, namely the Ethics Officer, to discuss any concerns that may arise from their participation in the research program.

This avenue of complaint is ideally recommended after the participant has discussed the issue(s) with the Researcher(s), or where the participant wishes to address particular concerns with regard to the researchers themselves.

If negotiations through the Ethics Officer do not resolve the issue the matter is referred to the Chairperson of the approving Committee for further advice.

The Ethics Officer and the Chairperson have the authority to contact any professional assistance available to them within the University of Queensland to assist in the resolution of the complaint.

Any legal matters are referred to the University's Legal Officer for advice.

The University's Insurance Manager may also need to be made aware of the matter.

The full membership of the approving Committee is made aware of any such matters at the next meeting.

Details of matters of a serious nature, that is sufficient to suspend the project, produce legal and/or insurance concerns are also made known to the Chairperson of the HEERC.

In addition to the above, a person wishing to make a complaint or an allegation of breach of The Australian Code For The Responsible Conduct of Research or research misconduct should refer to the Policy and Procedures Library (4.20.05).

University of Queensland Ethical Paragraphs

Full committee review

The following paragraph is to be incorporated into all information sheets and questionnaires given to participants involved in human research projects which have received or are applying for full committee review through the appropriate HREC at the University of Queensland:

This study has been cleared by one of the human ethics committees of the University of Queensland in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council's guidelines. You are of course, free to discuss your participation in this study with project staff (contactable on .......................). If you would like to speak to an officer of the University not involved in the study, you may contact the Ethics Officer on 3365 3924.

Expedited review

The following paragraph is to be incorporated into all information sheets and questionnaires given to participants involved in human research projects which have received or are applying for expedited review through the University of Queensland:

This study adheres to the Guidelines of the ethical review process of The University of Queensland. Whilst you are free to discuss your participation in this study with project staff (contactable on .......................), if you would like to speak to an officer of the University not involved in the study, you may contact the Ethics Officer on 3365 3924.