This paper is, in part, a response to the model of university-based human subjects ethics review described by Bryn Williams-Jones and Soren Holm in Research Ethics Review [1] and the current ethical review process at the University of Ulster [2]. In this paper the two predominant systems of ethical review within UK universities are described. It is argued that each of these systems has significant deficiencies. Having suggested why these two models are less than ideal, a “third way’ of ethical review is proposed that encapsulates the strengths of these two models while avoiding the weaknesses.
References
1.
William-JonesBHolmS. A university wide model for the ethical review of human subjects research. Res Ethics Rev2005; 1(2): 39–44.
2.
University of Ulster Research Governance. Policy for the governance of research involving human subjects and the accompanying procedures. http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/rg/docs/d-policy.pdf (Accessed 03/05/06).
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HolmSIrvingL. Research ethics committees in the social sciences. In Kempf-LeonardK, ed. Encyclopedia of social measurement. London: Academic Press, 2004: 397–402.
TinkerACoomberV. University research ethics committees: Their role, remit and conduct. London: King's College London & the Nuffield Foundation, 2004. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/ppro/reports/URECreport.pdf (Accessed 03/05/06).
6.
About a third according to TinkerACoomberV. Ibid p 13.
Implementing the recommendations of the ad hoc advisory group: consultation. Central Office for Research Ethics Committees: January 2006.
9.
About two thirds according to TinkerACoomberV. Ibid. Op cit.
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I owe this delightful phrase to ChristopheMitchell.
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EdwardsSLJAshcroftREKirchinS. Research ethics committees: differences and moral judgement. Bioethics2004; 18(5): 408–27.
12.
The number would depend on likely work load but presuming each committee can process 20 applications each meeting, this would allow the review of 960 applications a year. At the University of Auckland it was not uncommon for us to process 40 applications in one sitting.
