Research ethics relates to the principles and guidelines that all researchers, and research projects, need to adhere to. These principles are established to ensure that research participants do not come to harm, and that the research being carried out is ethical and fair. All research involving NHS patients’ needs to be reviewed and approved by a Research Ethics Committee (REC).

A REC considers the ethics of health or social care research in the UK. The research cannot proceed without the approval of the REC. The committee reviews research applications and gives an opinion on whether the research is ethical and fair. You can find out more about NHS RECs in England from The Health Research Authority.

This phase of the research has been approved by the North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 NHS Research Ethics Sub-Committee.

1. SHAPES Cohort Study

• Ethics approvals for research
• Can I Take Part ?
• At the Appointment
• After the Appointment
• Contact Details

2. SHAPES Individual Participant Data Study
3. Cost Effectiveness Study