title: A survey of principal researchers who lead research into Adults with Incapacity in Scotland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scotland's 'A' Research Ethics Committee (SAREC, previously MREC A) has exclusive authority to consider research involving Adults with Incapacity in Scotland. No appeal facility exists although resubmissions are accepted. Legislation covering research in England and Wales has created anomalies. RECs 'recognised' by the UK Ethics Committee (3 in Scotland, several in England) can approve drug studies involving Adults with Incapacity in Scotland. Several English RECs can approve studies led from outside Scotland.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted an anonymous online survey of researchers experienced in studies involving Adults with Incapacity to establish their opinions on the role of SAREC. The survey had 5 multiple-choice questions. Two questions invited a free-text comment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-seven researchers (45% response) completed the survey. The majority (61/76, 80%) received a favourable opinion from SAREC immediately/after minor revision. The consensus was a single, experienced committee is advantageous to researchers (69/77 (90%)) and research participants (65/75 (87%)). There was no association between application outcome and opinion on whether a single committee is advantageous for researchers (p = 0.39 (Fisher's exact test)) or research participants (p = 0.49). Most (42/76, 55%) favoured the current system for reviewing decisions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The research establishment favours retaining expertise in one committee. Most are content not having an external appeal facility.
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow, UK. alan.c.cameron@hotmail.co.uk
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: K  R
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency; D012108:Research Personnel; D012380:Role; D012606:Scotland