Understanding this distinction is crucial for compliance and operational clarity.
- Medical Research is conducted within healthcare institutions and involves providing healthcare services to participants. Its primary goal is the direct improvement of individual patient health through activities like clinical trials, experimental therapies, and diagnostic monitoring.
- Health-related scientific Research is conducted by accredited research organizations (like universities or scientific institutes) and focuses on advancing general medical knowledge. It involves studying biological materials, data, and the social components of health, without providing healthcare services to participants.
A key challenge is that national legislation often lacks clear definitions, leading to ambiguities in ethical approvals, institutional responsibilities, and oversight. This article, provided by Partner Ivan Milošević and Senior Associate Janez Vončina, clarifies these concepts to help researchers, healthcare workers, and institutions navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.
