Exploring Institutional Research Ethics Systems: A Case Study From Uganda.

Area of Science:

• Health Research Ethics
• Institutional Capacity Building
• Global Health

Background:

• Globalization necessitates enhanced research ethics capacity in low-resource settings.
• Existing programs often focus on individual training, neglecting systemic and institutional aspects.
• This study addresses the need for institutional-level research ethics assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and apply an institutional research ethics model.
• To assess the institutional research ethics capacity at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS).
• To establish a benchmark for evaluating research ethics capacity over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the multidimensional Octagon framework for assessment.
• Involved both internal and external stakeholders in the evaluation.
• Employed five data collection methods to analyze ethical processes and institutional relationships.

Main Results:

• MakCHS achieved mid-range scores across all Octagon domains.
• External assessments identified strengths in identity, structure, relevance, target groups, and working environment.
• Areas identified for improvement include production, competence, and finance/administration systems.

Conclusions:

• The assessment revealed key strengths, opportunities, and challenges for institutional research ethics at MakCHS.
• The systematic approach provided valuable insights into research ethics needs.
• The study offers a benchmark for institutions to track progress in research ethics capacity.