Trajectory of an ethics commitee: 10 years of Plataforma Brasil

Abstract

This study outlines the profile of the Ethics Committee of the Acaraú Valley State University, Ceará, Brazil, after 10 years of Plataforma Brasil. Bibliographic search surveyed research conducted between 2012 and 2021 according to actors and processes, following descriptive analysis. Results showed a prevalence of female researchers from the health or biological sciences field, and reviewers had a greater academic background, length of experience, and number of projects than researchers. Of the 2,295 studies analyzed, most were approved by 2015, completed in 2016 and under evaluation in 2021, with clear decrease in 2020 and 2021. Original research from national self-funded institutional coordinating centers without thematic area, with a favorable ethical opinion within three months, and reduced flow time between quinquennia stood out. Main ethical obstacles concerned the informed consent and risks. This overview highlights the importance of the platform for scientific progress.