Research Approval

Any research activity that takes place at Riverview Hospital (RVH), the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) or any Forensic Psychiatric Services Regional Clinic, or that involves a BCMHAS patient or staff member, whether as participant, collaborator, or investigator, requires submission of a research proposal to the Research Department, BCMHAS. Such proposals must then be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Research Committee (RVH or FPS). The requirements and submission process are described in detail in the BCMHAS Research Guidelines.

Researchers are advised to first read the guidelines, then complete and submit a BCMHAS Approval to Conduct Research Form, and either an FPSC Research Agreement Form (for research involving Forensic Psychiatric Services clients/patients) or a Riverview Hospital FOI form (for research involving RVH patients). Applicants must receive a certificate of approval before any research activities can be initiated.

All research involving human subjects must meet accepted ethical guidelines, such as those specified in Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. For the purposes of this policy, research is defined as any systematic investigation (including pilot studies, exploratory studies, and course-based assignments) to establish facts, principles or generalizable knowledge which involves living human subjects.


Last updated 22 May 2008