Research ethics review: identifying public policy and program gaps.

Area of Science:

• Public Policy Analysis
• Research Ethics
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Effective research ethics review systems are crucial for protecting human subjects.
• Post-Communist countries face unique challenges in establishing robust research ethics infrastructure.
• The Fogarty International Center supports international research ethics education and curriculum development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an analytical framework for identifying public policy gaps in research ethics review systems.
• To assist fellows of the Fogarty International Center's program in Central and Eastern Europe.
• To enhance the protection of human research subjects by addressing policy impediments.

Main Methods:

• Development of an analytical framework based on public policy and management literature.
• Application of a logic model approach.
• Illustration with case examples from post-Communist countries.

Main Results:

• The framework effectively identifies specific gaps in public policies governing research ethics review.
• Examples demonstrate how policy deficiencies hinder the work of ethics review boards.
• The study provides a structured approach for policy analysis in research ethics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework is a valuable tool for assessing and improving research ethics policy.
• Addressing identified policy gaps is essential for strengthening human subject protection.
• This work contributes to the broader goals of the Fogarty International Center's research ethics initiatives.