1.3.2 Sources of pressure and bias-producing communication of pressure
A. Background & Definitions
The EQIPD Quality System relies on, and should become part of, the overall organizational quality culture.
An essential element of this quality culture is awareness of, and control over, pressures that may lead to unacceptable practices or introduce bias into the planning, conduct, or reporting of research.
4.1.1 Risk assessment is one of the core components of the EQIPD Quality System. It highlights the importance of gathering all relevant information before deciding to accept a particular risk.
The likelihood of poor practices or biased research outcomes is often closely linked to the pressures researchers are exposed to.
B. Guidance & Expectations
EQIPD does not require any formal documentation or detailed analysis for this item. However, it is strongly recommended that the Process Owner reviews potential sources of pressure that may introduce bias and evaluates whether adequate safeguards are in place (such as training or rigorous study design).
Examples of such pressures may include:
- Financial: for instance, when financial incentives are directly or indirectly tied to research outcomes
- Business-related: such as when a research unit’s success depends on the performance of a single method or technology
- Personal: for example, if members of a research unit are not treated equally or fairly
The Process Owner is also expected to make every effort to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on team members. This includes avoiding the communication of overly optimistic expectations that could create incentives for biased or selective results.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET
- To discuss potential sources of pressure and appropriate protective measures with team members
C. Resources
- Competitive pressure in biomedical research Alberts et al., 2014
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