Do researchers feel an LREC hinders research?
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.


METHODS
78 experienced medical researchers.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ferguson
P
P
University of Dundee, Scotland.
D001290:Attitude; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012108:Research Personnel; D006113:United Kingdom