Differences and structural weaknesses of institutional mechanisms for health research ethics: Burkina Faso, Palestine, Peru, and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

BackgroundRegardless of national contexts, the institutions responsible for research ethics, founded on international regulations, are all expected to be structured and to operate in a common way. Our experience with several countries on different continents, however, has raised questions in this regard. This article examines the differences and structural weaknesses of ethics committees in four countries (Burkina Faso, Palestine, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) where we have conducted the same socio-anthropological study in the field of reproductive health.MethodsIn addition to recording our observations during field surveys for this study, we performed a documentary review and interviewed expert members of ethics committees, research participants, and researchers who had experience with requesting ethics approvals for research protocols in the field of social sciences and health.ResultsThe results of this study showed that, despite having the same mandate, the committees functioned differently, while they all exhibited the same weaknesses. Thus, the universalization and standardization of institutional conditions for applying ethical standards in research still present problems that are, at the very least, relevant.ConclusionThis study on ethics committees in four countries demonstrated the profound influence of context on the ways in which different institutions function and enforce regulations. In effect, in all social fields, every innovation is infused by its context.

American College of Clinical Pharmacy Global Health Practice and Research Network's opinion paper: Pillars for global health engagement and key engagement strategies for pharmacists

“…When conducting global health research, one should consult with the RECs within each country to best understand the composition of the REC and the processes involved. 79,81 Timelines and necessary documentation may vary greatly between RECs. There is often a perception that LMICs do not meet international standards and they often rely on international guidelines rather than their own.…”

“…There is often a perception that LMICs do not meet international standards and they often rely on international guidelines rather than their own. 79,81 There may be limited communication between RECs in regards to priorities, study modifications, and which REC should be the lead; although most concur it should be the REC in which the research is occurring. 79,81 The researcher must be aware and be diligent about maintaining the research objectives and appropriate reporting.…”

“…79,81 There may be limited communication between RECs in regards to priorities, study modifications, and which REC should be the lead; although most concur it should be the REC in which the research is occurring. 79,81 The researcher must be aware and be diligent about maintaining the research objectives and appropriate reporting. 77 Loss of study confidentiality can result in lost job opportunities and reduced professional credibility of researchers and social ostracism, and marginalization of participants.…”

The Global Health Research Capacity Strengthening (GHR-CAPS) Program: trainees’ experiences and perspectives

“…Another benefit has been the chance to work jointly on interdisciplinary projects, especially on topics that were beyond our thesis/postdoctoral research. For instance, we coauthored commentaries following our participation in one of the summer schools 8 , 9 ; wrote-up case studies following a course on GHR ethics 10 ; partnered together to publish a special issue on GHR and ethics 11 , 12 and also worked together on broader topics related to academia. 13 It has also led to collaborations beyond GHR-CAPS activities.…”

Ethics of human research in Peru. Yet another pending task.

“…Los Comités o Juntas de Ética en Investigación deben tener una mayor promoción, participación y aceptación como un espacio vital dentro de las instituciones para proteger la dignidad, el respeto y la integridad de los participantes de la investigación. Cuando están debidamente capacitados, guiados y dotados de recursos, estos comités también pueden proteger a los investigadores mismos (4) porque al hacer preguntas con una mirada ética en lugar de solo preocuparse por tecnicismos, el quehacer científico puede tener un mayor impacto en nuestra sociedad. Si bien los tiempos de crisis pueden oscurecer las prácticas de deliberación, existen pautas internacionales que se han desarrollado en tiempos más tranquilos basados en la experiencia de otras culturas que también deben ser evaluadas y examinadas si queremos dar forma al futuro de la Ética de la Investigación Humana en el Perú (5) .…”