Today, I started the Training and Resources in Research Ethics Evaluation (TRREE) program. It is an online program that provides training on research ethics and regulations that guide health-related research with human subjects. It also has nation-specific supplements focused on building the capacity of African countries. The training contains Modules 1 through 3.5. Each module has its own topic and covers various aspects of health-related research and ethical concerns.
Taking this course would give me the relevant knowledge and skill that I need as I embark on my research on language and dementia. The institution from which I intend to engage dementia patients for data collection (which would be announced as soon as I get approval) requires that I take this course in order to know what is expected of me. I am super excited about the entire journey. That my dream of being a researcher is coming true is the least part of the cause of my excitement. What I am most elated about is the impact this research will make in Nigeria (hopefully).
Of course, one single research won’t do it. Nevertheless, I want to spark the interest of people and turn their attention to this critical issue. There is a lot we can do as a nation to help this relevant population in our society (people with dementia) delineate their conditions and help create person-specific and innovative interventions. We – everyone from infancy to old age – deserve to be understood and spoken for, especially when we do not have the ability to do so ourselves.
I covered sections 1.1 (Why research is important) and 1.2 (Evolution of Research Ethics) in Module 1: Introduction to Research Ethics. Today, I will talk about why research is important. This article will be largely based on the course.
I found the first few sentences of section 1.1 quite interesting. According to TRREE, medicine is art, rather than pure science, because it is constantly changing. New diseases and conditions are introduced, which in turn lead to the development of novel treatments and interventions. Central to these are constant experimentations.
These are 500 words (or more ?)! Talk to you tomorrow!