Experiences of research ethics committee members and scientists of the research protocol review process in Uganda: a case study

Agnes Ssali; Fiona Poland; Janet Seeley

doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihaa047

Experiences of research ethics committee members and scientists of the research protocol review process in Uganda: a case study

Int Health. 2020 Nov 9;12(6):541-542. doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa047.

Authors

Agnes Ssali¹, Fiona Poland², Janet Seeley^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe.
² University of East Anglia, Norwich UK Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
³ London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 7SH, UK.

Abstract

Background: We investigated how relevant and responsive scientists and research ethics committee (REC) members considered the research protocol review processes for health research practice in Uganda.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with five scientists and five REC members. Data were analysed thematically.

Results: How much to compensate for time, the amount of study information shared with volunteers and sample storage for future unknown research were areas of concern for REC members. Delays in getting feedback concerned scientists.

Conclusions: Researchers and REC members need to hold regular discussions to ensure the review process is relevant and responsive.

Keywords: Uganda; ethics committee; process; protocol; research; review.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Ethics Committees, Research*
Humans
Research Personnel*
Uganda

Grants and funding

MC_UU_00027/4/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom