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Ethical approval for national studies in Ireland: An illustration of current challenges

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Abstract

Background Ethical approval of research projects is, appropriately, an essential prerequisite in health settings.

Aims This paper outlines difficulties encountered with procedures for gaining ethical approval for two multicentre surveys in Ireland.

Methods The experiences of two national surveys were documented.

Results Delays in processing ethics applications led to substantial delays in both surveys. Research ethics committees (RECs) assessed applications in an idiosyncratic manner.

Conclusion In Ireland, there is currently no accepted mechanism for single location ethical approval for multicentre studies. Instead, they require separate approval from all participating centres. The challenges of this system of application to multiple committees are outlined in this paper, and possible solutions presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Services Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    M Smith, F Doyle & HM McGee

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    F Doyle & D De La Harpe

Authors
  1. M Smith
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  2. F Doyle
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  3. HM McGee
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  4. D De La Harpe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to F Doyle.

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Smith, M., Doyle, F., McGee, H. et al. Ethical approval for national studies in Ireland: An illustration of current challenges. Ir J Med Sci 173, 72–74 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02914559

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02914559

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