Do researchers feel an LREC hinders research?

All medical professionals in the UK who wish to undertake clinical trials involving NHS patients must first obtain ethical approval. Although Local Research Ethics Committees (LRECs) play a crucial role, few studies have attempted to determine what researchers think about the effectiveness of their ethics committee.

To explore researchers' views as to the effectiveness or otherwise of their LREC.

78 experienced medical researchers.

While most researchers did not feel that the LREC made it more difficult to carry out their research, without good cause, a substantial minority was critical of the Committee, with many feeling that its approach was overly pedantic.

There may be a need for greater dialogue between ethics committees and researchers, so that researchers understand why committees ask for certain information, and committees are aware of problems their requirements may cause.