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Do researchers feel an LREC hinders research?
1University of Dundee, Scotland.
Background:
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.
Objective:
To explore researchers' views as to the effectiveness or otherwise of their LREC.
Subjects:
78 experienced medical researchers.
Findings:
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.
Conclusion:
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.