Meeting the challenges of research governance

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Abstract
There is a tangible sense of hostility being expressed among UK clinical researchers at present, directed at NHS Trusts’ implementation of the Department of Health's (DOH) Research Governance Framework (RGF) [1–4]. Researchers fear a decline in the UK's impressive research record due to the obstacles resulting from lengthy, complex, bureaucratic implementation procedures presented by research managers in NHS Trusts [5]. In addition, the UK health service has undergone radical organisational change, adding further complexities in the delivery of high quality research. Here we evaluate the impact of RGF particularly to multicentre clinical trials and contribute to the debate by sharing our personal experiences.