Guide to the design and review of emergency research when it is proposed that consent and consultation be waived

Abstract

Like all others, we believe that patients who need urgent treatment should receive evidence-based care. However, until recently, there have been particular difficulties or uncertainties for research when consent and consultation ‘at the time of the emergency’ are impossible or inappropriate and, therefore, should be waived.1 ,2 In this commentary we describe a practical framework of ‘questions and considerations’ for those developing or reviewing such research. The framework was developed in a workshop hosted by the Health Research Authority, UK, with the aim of providing a structured approach to the issues that arise when planning research that involves a waiver of consent or consultation. The framework …