Code of Ethics

Conflict of Interests, Human Rights, and Informed Consent in Research and Practice
Ethical principles related to conflict of interests, human rights, and informed consent form the foundation of trust and integrity in research. These pillars are essential not only to protect individuals but also to maintain institutional credibility and the advancement of science. The UFPI Nursing Journal safeguards the best practices regarding these principles.

Conflict of Interests

A conflict of interests arises when the personal, financial, or professional interests of a researcher may compromise—or appear to compromise—their objectivity. At REUFPI, conflict of interests is addressed in three stages:

  • Authors' Declaration:
    Authors are required to disclose conflicts of interest in the manuscript prior to submission, specifying the degree of conflict and pointing out potential issues, such as funding sources.
  • Editorial Assessment:
    Upon receiving the manuscript, the Editor-in-Chief and Scientific Editor perform an initial review, assessing the disclosed conflict of interest and its potential to compromise research integrity. This review may lead to rejection or continuation of the editorial process. Editors also analyze the authors to ensure no conflicts exist between authors and associated editors. If no conflicts are identified between authors and the associate editor for the manuscript's research area, the manuscript is forwarded to the associate editor for evaluation. Should a conflict exist, the manuscript is reassigned to another associate editor within a related field.
  • Ad Hoc Reviewers:
    The associate editor selects reviewers without conflicts of interest with the authors or manuscript content. Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two double-blind ad hoc reviewers, who confirm the absence of conflicts in their evaluations. If a reviewer discloses a conflict, their review is discarded, and another reviewer is selected to ensure impartiality.

These measures ensure that conflicts of interest are properly managed, excluding individuals with conflicts from certain decisions.

Human Rights

All studies involving human subjects published by REUFPI must include, at the time of submission, the approval report from a Research Ethics Committee (REC). Respect for human rights forms the foundation of ethical practice in both research and clinical settings. Adherence to international agreements such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ensures that participants are treated with dignity and fairness.

Key Regulations for Research in Brazil:

CNS Resolution No. 466/2012:
The primary ethical and regulatory framework for research involving human subjects, grounded in principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

CNS Resolution No. 510/2016:
Specific to research in the social and human sciences, addressing methodologies like interviews, surveys, and observations.

CNS Resolution No. 580/2018:
Outlines operational guidelines for the REC/CONEP System, emphasizing committee roles and responsibilities.

Decree No. 9,283/2018:
Regulates the "Lei do Bem" and aspects of research and technological innovation in Brazil.

Law No. 10,973/2004 (Technological Innovation Law):
Relevant for research involving humans in scientific and technological innovation contexts.

Complementary Norms by CONEP:
Address topics like research with vulnerable populations, clinical trials, and international studies.

International Guidelines:

Declaration of Helsinki (1964): Central document on clinical research ethics.

CIOMS Guidelines (2016): Collaboration between CIOMS and WHO, complementing the Helsinki Declaration.

Belmont Report (1979): Outlines respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

ICH-GCP (1996): International standards for clinical trials.

UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966): Ensures protection against medical or scientific experiments without consent.

REUFPI adheres to these standards, alongside the Code of Conduct and Best Practices for Journal Editors and COPE guidelines. Anti-plagiarism software (e.g., Plagius) is employed during submission and pre-publication stages to uphold scientific integrity.

Informed Consent

Informed consent ensures that individuals receive complete information about a study or treatment, enabling voluntary and informed participation.

Essential Elements of Informed Consent:

Clarity: Accessible language suitable for participants' understanding.

Complete Information: Objectives, methodology, benefits, risks, confidentiality measures, and data usage.

Autonomy: Voluntary participation without coercion.

Ethical Assurances: Participant rights, contact information for inquiries, and procedures for addressing potential harm.

Formal Consent: Space for signature or confirmation, ensuring participants had time for reflection and questions.

Withdrawal: Explanation of the right to withdraw at any time.

Vulnerable Populations: Consent from legal representatives when necessary.

The Free and Informed Consent Form (FICF) is a critical document guaranteeing that participants are fully informed and voluntarily agree to participate. REUFPI ensures compliance with ethical and international standards, promoting transparency and safeguarding participants' rights.