The role of governance and ethical considerations of mental health research on children and adolescents: A pragmatic framework using mixed method Delphi process
Wellcome Trust
Jos University Teaching Hospital
The prevalence of children and adolescents (C&A) with mental health conditions is increasing globally. More attention is given to infectious diseases and a paucity of mental health research on C&A exists. This area remains neglected because of lack of effective governance, particularly in LMICs. Effective C&A mental health system is dependent on research governance structures, necessitating the need for an effective governance framework which guides ethical considerations in research and health systems for C&A. This study aims to assess the extent to which governance frameworks impacts mental health research on C&A, identify governance framework beneficial for C&A in LMICs and generate a consensus that examines indicators which guide ethical practice and good governance. A systematic review will be used to identify existing governance framework. Thereafter, a mixed method Delphi process comprising minimum 30 experts who meet the following criteria: diversity of expertise, independence, decentralization, and aggregation from LMICs and HICs across the six regions of the World Health Organization will be used to determine a consensus for effective governance for mental health research on C&A. Outputs generated from this study will be disseminated via seminars/ webinars conferences, publications, and academic and non-academic meetings to facilitate adoption by stakeholders and policymakers.
8.3 Policy, ethics and research governance