The roles and challenges of research ethics boards: insights from the membership perspective

Abstract

In Canada the responsibility of protecting human research subjects rests primarily with research ethics boards (REBs). The REB's internal dynamics and its external relationships with the research community, other REBs, and the REB's own home institution are central to its task. This study identified and described foundational elements, both internal and external to an index REB, and contextual elements which impact each of these relationships. Moreover, how REB members understand the board's role and the challenges it faces is largely shaped by these relationships and influencing factors. This study also found that the current system needs improvement. Its findings support calls in the literature for the development of a research ethics culture and a more complex understanding of the research ethics review process. In the interim, the review process would benefit from increased resources for REBs, as well as improved procedural and structural clarity and communication within and between boards.