Case study on communicating with research ethics committees about minimizing risk through software: an application for record linkage in secondary data analysis.

Objective: In retrospective secondary data analysis studies, researchers often seek waiver of consent from institutional Review Boards (IRB) and minimize risk by utilizing complex software. Yet, little is known about the perspectives of IRB experts on these approaches. To facilitate effective communication about risk mitigation strategies using software, we conducted two studies with IRB experts to co-create appropriate language when describing a software to IRBs. Materials and Methods: We conducted structured focus groups with IRB experts to solicit ideas on questions regarding benefits, risks, and informational needs. Based on these results, we developed a template IRB application and template responses for a generic study using privacy-enhancing software. We then conducted a three-round Delphi study to refine the template IRB application and the template responses based on expert panel feedback. To facilitate participants' deliberation, we shared the revisions and a summary of participants' feedback during each Delphi round. Results: 11 experts in two focus groups generated 13 ideas on risks, benefits, and informational needs. 17 experts participated in the Delphi study with 13 completing all rounds. Most agreed that privacy-enhancing software will minimize risk, but regardless all secondary data studies have an inherent risk of unexpected disclosures. The majority (84.6%) noted that subjects in retrospective secondary data studies experience no greater risks than the risks experienced in ordinary life in the modern digital society. Hence, all retrospective data-only studies with no contact with subjects would be minimal risk studies. Conclusion: First, we found fundamental disagreements in how some IRB experts view risks in secondary data research. Such disagreements are consequential because they can affect determination outcomes and might suggest IRBs at different institutions might come to different conclusions regarding similar study protocols. Second, the highest ranked risks and benefits of privacy-enhancing software in our study were societal rather than individual. The highest ranked benefits were facilitating more research and promoting responsible data governance practices. The highest ranked risks were risk of invalid results from systematic user error or erroneous algorithms. These societal considerations are typically more characteristic of public health ethics as opposed to the bioethical approach of research ethics, possibly reflecting the difficulty applying a bioethical approach (eg, informed consent) in secondary data studies. Finally, the development of privacy-enhancing technology for secondary data research depends on effective communication and collaboration between the privacy experts and technology developers. Privacy is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach that is best addressed through privacy-by-design principles. Privacy expert participation is important yet often neglected in this design process. This study suggests best practice strategies for engaging the privacy community through co-developing companion documents for software through participatory design to facilitate transparency and communication. In this case study, the final template IRB application and responses we released with the open-source software can be easily adapted by researchers to better communicate with their IRB when using the software. This can help increase responsible data governance practices when many software developers are not research ethics experts.

Ethics Committees: Structure, Roles, and Issues.

An Ethics Committee (EC) is an independent body composed of members with expertise in both scientific and nonscientific arenas which functions to ensure the protection of human rights and the well-being of research subjects based on six basic principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, confidentiality, and honesty. MEDLINE, Scopus, and Directory of Open Access Journals were searched for studies relevant to this topic. This review is focused on the types of research articles that need EC approval, the submission process, and exemptions. It further highlights the constitution of ECs, their duties, the review process, and the assessment of the risk-benefit of the proposed research including privacy issues. It's pertinent for academicians and researchers to abide by the rules and regulations put forth by ECs for upholding of human rights and protecting research subjects primarily, as well as avoiding other issues like retraction of publications. Despite various issues of cost, backlogs, lack of expertise, lesser representation of laypersons, need for multiple approvals for multisite projects, conflicts of interest, and monitoring of ongoing research for the continued safety of participants, the ECs form the central force in regulating research and participant safety. Data safety and monitoring boards complement the ECs for carrying out continuous monitoring for better protection of research subjects. The establishment of ECs has ensured safe study designs, the safety of human subjects along with the protection of researchers from before the initiation until the completion of a study.

Social control, transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity in medical research / Control social, transparencia, responsabilidad y integridad de la investigación médica / CONTROLE SOCIAL, TRANSPARÊNCIA, INTEIREZA CIENTÍFICA E RESPONSABILIDADE EM PESQUISAS MÉDICAS

The CEP/CONEP System, submitted to social control, is responsible for the ethical approval of research in Brazil to protect research participants. The Informed Consent Form (ICF) is the public document that implements the protection of participants. The paper presents two cases of medical research in the Amazon region on malaria and the use of chloroquine for treating COVID-19. The participants were uninformed in the ICF on relevant aspects of the two studies, with serious health risks. For the sake of increasing transparency and social control, it is proposed the mandatory publication of the ICF in studies supported by public funds, presentation of an objective summary of the study at the beginning of the ICF, publication of central elements of the protocol of clinical trials in open access Brazilian virtual platforms, and promulgation of a dedicated law to improve scientific and ethical integrity in Brazilian medical research.

El Sistema CEP/CONEP es responsable del análisis ético de la investigación en Brasil, sometida al control social, con la misión de proteger a los participantes en la investigación.  El Formulario de Consentimiento Libre e Informado es el documento público que implementa la protección de los participantes. El artículo presenta dos casos de investigación médica en la región amazónica sobre malaria y tratamiento con cloroquina para COVID-19, en que los participantes no fueron informados, en el documento de consentimiento informado, aprobado por el sistema CEP/CONEP, sobre aspectos relevantes de los estudios, con graves riesgos para la salud.  Para aumentar la transparencia y el control social, el artículo propone la divulgación obligatoria del modelo de consentimiento informado en estudios financiados con recursos públicos, la presentación de un resumen objetivo del estudio al inicio del documento de consentimiento, la publicación de elementos centrales del protocolo de ensayos clínicos en plataformas virtuales brasileñas de acceso abierto, y la promulgación de una ley para perfeccionar la integridad científica y ética en la investigación médica brasileña.

O Sistema CEP/CONEP é responsável pela regulação ética de pesquisas no Brasil, comprometido com o controle social, para proteger os direitos dos participantes em pesquisas. O Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE) é o documento público que concretiza a proteção dos participantes. O artigo aborda dois casos de pesquisas médicas na região amazônica, sobre malária e tratamento com cloroquina para COVID-19, em que os participantes foram desinformados no TCLE, aprovado pelo sistema CEP/CONEP, sobre aspectos relevantes dos estudos, com sérios riscos à saúde.  Para ampliar a transparência e  controle social, propõe-se a divulgação obrigatória do modelo de TCLE em pesquisas que usem recursos públicos, apresentação de resumo itemizado no início do TCLE, publicação de elementos centrais do protocolo de ensaios clínicos em plataformas virtuais brasileiras de acesso aberto e promulgação de lei para aprimorar a inteireza científica e ética nas pesquisas médicas brasileiras.

Caminhos de um comitê de ética: 10 anos da Plataforma Brasil / Trajectory of an ethics commitee: 10 years of Plataforma Brasil / Trayectoria de un comité de ética: 10 años de la Plataforma Brasil

Resumo Esta pesquisa buscou traçar o perfil do Comitê de Ética da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Ceará, nos 10 anos da Plataforma Brasil. Levantaram-se pesquisas realizadas entre 2012 e 2021, conforme atores ou processos, seguindo a análise descritiva. Houve prevalência feminina e do campo da saúde ou ciências biológicas, e pareceristas tiveram maior formação acadêmica, tempo de experiência e número de projetos em relação a pesquisadores. Das 2.295 pesquisas analisadas, houve flutuações temporais, com concentração de projetos anteriormente aprovados até 2015, finalizados em 2016 e em trâmite em 2021, com evidente diminuição em 2020 e 2021. Foram mais frequentes pesquisas originais de centros coordenadores, institucionais, brasileiras, autofinanciadas, sem área temática, com decisão ética favorável, em até três meses e tempo de fluxo reduzido entre quinquênios. Termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e riscos destacaram-se como principais óbices éticos. Esse panorama valoriza a importância da plataforma para o progresso científico.

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.

Resumen Esta investigación rastreó el perfil del Comité de Ética de la Universidad Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Ceará, Brasil, en los 10 años de la Plataforma Brasil. Los estudios ocurrieron entre 2012 y 2021 según actores o procesos, siguiendo el análisis descriptivo. Predominaron mujeres del campo de la salud o las ciencias biológicas y, comparados con los investigadores, los árbitros tenían alto nivel de formación académica, mayor tiempo de experiencia y proyectos. En 2.295 estudios hubo fluctuaciones temporales, con concentración de proyectos aprobados hasta 2015, completados en 2016 y en curso en 2021, con disminución evidente entre 2020-2021. Los estudios más frecuentes provienen de los centros coordinadores, institucionales, brasileños, autoapoyados, sin área temática, con decisión ética favorable hasta tres meses y tiempo de flujo reducido entre quinquenios. El formulario de consentimiento y los riesgos fueron los principales obstáculos éticos. Este panorama valora la importancia de la plataforma al progreso científico.

Termo de assentimento: participação de crianças em pesquisas / Consent forms: the participation of children in research / Formulario de asentimiento: participación de niños en investigaciones

Resumo A Resolução do Conselho Nacional de Saúde 466/2012 estabelece a obrigatoriedade de termo de assentimento para pesquisas realizadas com crianças. No entanto, a resolução apresenta a definição de assentimento livre e esclarecido sem especificar os elementos necessários para o documento. Essa lacuna torna atual e pertinente a abordagem desse tema proposta pelo presente estudo, que tem como objetivo discutir a participação de crianças em pesquisas. Os resultados apresentam um arcabouço teórico a partir do qual se pode refletir sobre a ética em pesquisas com crianças, tendo em vista sua vulnerabilidade, que pode levar a situações irreparáveis. Conclui-se que o tema deve permanecer nos debates acadêmicos e profissionais, pois, além de a realidade ser dinâmica, muitas são as especificidades desse segmento populacional.

Abstract The Resolution 466/2012 of the National Council of Health establishes the term of assent as compulsory for research carried out with children. However, the resolution presents the definition of assent without specifying the terms necessary for the document. This gap makes current and pertinent the approach of this topic by this study, which aims to discuss the participation of children in research. The results present a theoretical framework from which we can reflect on the ethics of Research with children, considering their vulnerability, which can lead to irreparable situations. We conclude that the theme must remain in the academic and professional debates since, on top of being a dynamic reality, this population segment has many specificities.

Resumen La Resolución del Consejo Nacional de Salud 466/2012 brasileño dispone que el término de asentimiento es obligatorio en las investigaciones que involucran a niños. La resolución trae la definición de asentimiento informado, pero no detalla los elementos que deben contener el documento. Con base en esta laguna actual y relevante, este estudio pretende discutir la participación de los niños en investigación. Se presenta un marco teórico desde el cual se reflexiona sobre la ética en la investigación que involucra a niños dada su vulnerabilidad, lo que puede llevar a situaciones irreparables. Se concluye que el tema tiene que seguir en los debates académicos y profesionales, porque, además de que la realidad es dinámica, existen muchas especificidades para esta población.

Trascendencia de los Comités de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos en el Ecuador / Research Ethics Committees of Human Beings in Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN. Los Comités de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos deben proteger la dignidad, los derechos, el bienestar y la seguridad de los sujetos investigados; evalúan aspectos éticos, metodológicos y jurídicos de los protocolos de investigación, competencia otorgada por el ente sanitario del país que ameritó observar si se cumplió. OBJETIVO. Evaluar la situación de los Comités de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos, basados en la percepción del cursillista, la normativa, las repercusiones y consecuencias para mantener su condición activa y su trascendencia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo, transversal y ambispectivo con un universo de 1 327 profesionales del área de la salud y una muestra de 385 encuestados que expresaron su percepción sobre trece Comités de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos a nivel nacional, con revisión bibliográfica nacional e internacional, se excluyeron los suspendidos. Se aplicó encuesta validada online, período abril a octubre de 2019. Data analizada en Excel y SPSS versión 23. RESULTADOS. El 76,92% Comités de Ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos fueron de la ciudad de Quito. Los cursillistas percibieron que el 64,16%, no trascendieron en su labor; desconocieron que: la Dirección Nacional de Inteligencia de la Salud, cuestionó el nombramiento de algún miembro un 97,14%; el cuestionamiento estuvo basado en la norma vigente un 79,48%; sobre la aprobación del plan anual de capacitación en investigación, 2019, un 95,06%; el plan anual de capacitación específico un 77,40%, y no recibieron directrices ni retroalimentación en temas de capacitación en calidad de investigador, un 90,39%. Además, percibieron que los Comités fueron responsables de capacitar otros Comités de ética de Investigación en Seres Humanos, un 81,82% y a los investigadores, un 85,71%; que deben elaborar el plan anual de educación específica para los miembros del comité, un 89,35%. CONCLUSIÓN. Se identificó entre los problemas que los investigadores casi no los conocen y hay necesidad de actualizar la norma que afectó el funcionamiento. Los justificativos para mantener la condición activa no se cumplieron, se evidenció la necesidad de asesoría para los comités por parte de las autoridades competentes, sin lograr conformación consolidada con actores y repercutió en su trascendencia.

INTRODUCTION. The Research Ethics Committees on Human Beings must protect the dignity, rights, well-being and safety of the research subjects; evaluate ethical, methodological and legal aspects of the research protocols, a competence granted by the health entity of the country that merited see if it is done. OBJECTIVE. Evaluate the situation of the Ethics Committees for Research in Human Beings, based on the perception of the trainee, the regulations, the repercussions and consequences to maintain their active condition and their transcendence. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Descriptive, cross-sectional and ambispective study with a universe of 1,327 professionals in the health area and a sample of 385 respondents who expressed their perception of thirteen Research Ethics Committees on Human Beings at the national level, with national and international bibliographic review. those suspended were excluded. An online validated survey was applied, from April to October 2019. Data analyzed in Excel and SPSS version 23. RESULTS. 76.92% Human Research Ethics Committees were from the city of Quito. The trainees perceived that 64,16%, did not transcend in their work; they did not know that: the National Directorate of Health Intelligence, questioned the appointment of a member 97,14%; the questioning was based on the current norm 79,48%; on the approval of the annual research training plan, 2019, 95,06%; the specific annual training plan 77,40%, and did not receive guidelines or feedback on training issues as a researcher, 90,39%. In addition, they perceived that the Committees were responsible for training other Human Beings Research Ethics Committees, 81,82% and the researchers, 85,71%; that they must prepare the annual specific education plan for the members of the committee, 89,35%. CONCLUSION. It was identified among the problems that the researchers hardly know them and there is a need to update the norm that affected the operation. The justifications to maintain the active condition were not fulfilled, the need for advice for the committees by the competent authorities was evidenced, without achieving a consolidated conformation with actors and had repercussions on its importance. hardly know them and there is a need to update the norm that affected the operation. The justifications to maintain the active condition were not fulfilled, the need for advice for the committees by the competent authorities was evidenced, without achieving a consolidated conformation with actors and had repercussions on its importance.

Problemas morais e/ou éticos em comitês de ética em pesquisa / Moral and/or ethical issues in research ethics committees / Problemas morales y/o éticos en los comités de ética de investigación

Resumo O objetivo do estudo é analisar problemas morais e/ou éticos vivenciados por membros de comitês de ética em pesquisa durante suas atividades e as estratégias utilizadas para solucionar esses problemas. Trata-se de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, com participação de 39 membros que atuavam em comitês em Salvador/BA, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em outubro de 2020 por questionário on-line autoaplicado na plataforma Google Forms. Os resultados evidenciaram: vivências de conflitos de interesses e de valores, bem como dilemas; e utilização de trocas de experiências e compartilhamento de ideias e opiniões como estratégias para solucionar esses problemas. Conclui-se que os membros desses comitês vivenciam problemas morais e/ou éticos e buscam solucioná-los por meio de estratégias que favorecem o desenvolvimento de pesquisas conforme critérios éticos e metodológicos adequados.

Abstract The objective of the study is to analyze moral and/or ethical issues experienced by members of research ethics committees when performing their activities and the strategies used to deal with those issues. This is a qualitative study with 39 individuals that participated in committees in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected in October 2020 using a self-administered online questionnaire developed using Google Forms. Results showed that participants underwent conflicts of interests and values, and also faced dilemmas, and the strategies used to deal with those issues were exchanging of experiences and sharing of ideas and opinions. It is concluded that members of such committees experience moral and/or ethical issues and seek to deal with them via strategies that favor the development of research according to appropriate ethical and methodological criteria.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio es analizar los problemas morales o éticos experimentados por los miembros de los comités de ética de investigación durante sus actividades y las estrategias que utilizan para resolver dichos problemas. Se trata de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo, con la participación de 39 miembros que actuaban en comités en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Los datos se recopilaron en octubre del 2020 por medio de un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado en la plataforma Google Forms. Los resultados mostraron experiencias de conflictos de intereses y valores, así como dilemas; y el intercambio de experiencias, ideas y opiniones como estrategias para solucionar dichos problemas. Se concluye que los miembros de estos comités experimentan problemas morales o éticos y tratan de solucionarlos mediante estrategias que favorezcan el desarrollo de investigaciones de acuerdo con criterios éticos y metodológicos adecuados.

Considerations of sex and gender dimensions by research ethics committees: a scoping review.

Despite a growing consensus on the importance of integrating sex and gender in health research, research across disciplines continues to be conducted and reported without a gender focus. Research ethics committees (RECs) can play a particularly powerful role in identifying the gender gaps at an early stage of the development of research protocols. Their role is missing in the dialogue related to improving gender awareness and analysis in health research. A scoping review was conducted to examine the extent to which RECs discuss and consider the inclusion and analysis of sex and gender in health research and to examine the literature regarding the gender balance of RECs. The limited literature around gender and research ethics reveals the power and potential of RECs to ensure that gender dimensions are thoughtfully included in health research, and sheds light on the gaps that exist. These include an under-representation of women on RECs, a lack of awareness of the importance of gender-related aspects in health research and a paucity of gender-related training to RECs. Guidelines such as the Sex and Gender Equity in Research guidelines are required for RECs to strengthen the ways in which health research is gendered from conception of a research protocol to its publication.

Fundamentos para resolução de problemas morais e/ou éticos nos comitês de ética em pesquisa / Fundamentals for solving moral and/or ethical problems in research ethics committees / Fundamentos para la resolución de problemas morales y / o éticos en los comités de ética en investigación

Objetivo: Analisar os fundamentos utilizados por membros de Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa, na resolução dos problemas éticos e/ou morais vivenciados durante suas atividades nestes Comitês. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, com uso de questionário online autoaplicado na Plataforma Google Forms, que envolveu 39 membros efetivos de 10 Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa, de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Dados analisados a partir da Configuração Triádica, Humanista, Existencialista, Personalista. Resultados: Entre os fundamentos utilizados por membros dos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa para resolução de problemas morais e/ou éticos vivenciados, estão as instruções e documentos normativos no âmbito da pesquisa envolvendo seres humanos, bioética, princípios e valores. Conclusão: Os membros dos Comitês de Ética utilizam normativas e princípios bióticos para solução de problemas morais e/ou éticos vivenciados em suas atividades, tendo em vista o desenvolvimento de Pesquisas em consonância com os aspectos éticos e científicos adequados. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the fundamentals used by members of Research Ethics Committees in solving ethical and/or moral problems experienced during their activities in these Committees. Methods: Qualitative study, using a self-administered online questionnaire on the Google Forms Platform, which involved 39 effective members of 10 Research Ethics Committees, from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Data analyzed from the Triadic, Humanist, Existentialist, Personalist Configuration. Results: Among the foundations used by members of the Research Ethics Committees to solve moral and/or ethical problems experienced are the instructions and normative documents within the scope of research involving human beings, bioethics, principles and values. Conclusion: The members of the Ethics Committees use norms and bioethics principles to solve moral and/or ethical problems experienced in their activities, with a view to developing research in line with the appropriate ethical and scientific aspects. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar los fundamentos utilizados por los miembros de los Comités de Ética en Investigación en la resolución de problemas éticos y / o morales experimentados durante su actuación en estos Comités. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, utilizando un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado en la plataforma Google Forms, que involucró a 39 miembros efectivos de 10 Comités de Ética en Investigación, de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Datos analizados desde la Configuración Triádica, Humanista, Existencialista, Personalista. Resultados: Entre los fundamentos que utilizan los miembros de los Comités de Ética en Investigación para resolver los problemas morales y / o éticos vividos se encuentran las instrucciones y documentos normativos en el ámbito de la investigación con seres humanos, bioética, principios y valores. Conclusión: Los miembros de los Comités de Ética utilizan normas y principios bióticos para resolver problemas morales y/o éticos vividos en sus actividades, con miras a desarrollar la investigación en línea con los aspectos éticos y científicos adecuados (AU)

Caracterização de membros de Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa de uma capital do Nordeste brasileiro / Characterization of members of research ethics committees in a capital of northeastern Brazil / Caracterización de los miembros de los comités de ética que investigan una capital en el noreste de Brasil

Objetivo: caracterizar membros de comitês de ética em pesquisa implantados em instituições de ensino superior e em hospitais de uma capital do Nordeste brasileiro. Método: estudo descritivo, por meio de questionário online, aplicado na plataforma Google Forms, tendo como participantes 39 membros efetivos que atuavam em comitês de ética em pesquisa implantados em instituições de ensino superior e em hospitais. Resultados: dos participantes que responderam,59,0% pertenciam ao gênero feminino, 51,2% eram pardos, 54,0% mestres, 49,0% casados, 38,4% pertencem à categoria profissional professor (a), 54,0% dos participantes disseram não haver treinamento inicial, 51% disseram haver formação continuada, 79,5% relataram atuar em comitês de ética em pesquisa na instituição na qual trabalham. Conclusão: os membros dos comitês de ética de uma capital no nordeste brasileiro possuem caraterísticas necessárias para atuarem nesses colegiados, mas há necessidade de redimensionamento em alguns aspectos para que de fato possa haver proteção e garantia aos direitos e interesses dos participantes da pesquisa. (AU)

Objective: To characterize members of research ethics committees located in institutions of higher education and in hospitals in a capital of Northeastern Brazil. Methods: A descriptive study, using an online questionnaire, applied on the Google Forms platform, with 39 effective members who worked on research ethics committees in higher education institutions and hospitals as participants. Results: Of the participants who responded, 59.0% were female, 51.2% were brown, 54.0% masters, 49.0% married, 38.4% belong to the professional category teacher (a), 54, 0% of participants said there was no initial training, 51% said there was continuing training, 79.5% reported working on research ethics committees at the institution where they work. Conclusion: The members of the ethics committees of a capital city in northeastern Brazil have the necessary characteristics to act in these collegiate bodies, but there is a need to resize in some aspects so that in fact there can be protection and guarantee to the rights and interests of the research participants. (AU)

Objetivo: Caracterizar a los miembros de los comités de ética en investigación ubicados en instituciones de educación superior y en hospitales de una capital del noreste de Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, mediante cuestionario online, aplicado en la plataforma Google Forms, con 39 miembros efectivos que trabajaron en comités de ética en investigación en instituciones de educación superior y hospitales como participantes. Resultados: De los participantes que respondieron, 59,0% eran mujeres, 51,2% morenos, 54,0% maestros, 49,0% casados, 38,4% pertenecen a la categoría profesional docente (a), 54,0% de los participantes dijeron que no había formación inicial, El 51% dijo que había formación continua, el 79,5% informó que trabaja en comités de ética en investigación en la institución donde trabaja. Conclusión: Los miembros de los comités de ética de una ciudad capital en el noreste de Brasil tienen las características necesarias para actuar en estos órganos colegiados, pero es necesario redimensionar en algunos aspectos para que de hecho pueda haber protección y garantía a los derechos y intereses de los participantes en la investigación. (AU)

A Modern History of Informed Consent and the Role of Key Information.

Background: The concept of informed consent has evolved significantly with regard to both the practice of medicine and research conducted with human volunteers. Yet the process of informed consent used in clinical research and the lengthy consent documents that are difficult to comprehend have been criticized. Methods: We review the history of informed consent as a legal and regulatory concept and the intended impact of the new key information section, a requirement that was introduced in the 2017 revisions to the Common Rule. Results: The key information section is intended to be a concise and focused presentation at the beginning of the informed consent document that facilitates potential participants' comprehension of the research. However, the lack of regulatory guidance regarding content and length has been problematic. To avoid the risk of noncompliance, many institutions have sought safe harbor by following the limited format guidelines included in the preamble to the revisions to the Common Rule. Conclusion: Research examining formats for the key information section and aids to increasing potential participants' understanding of a research project should be conducted to ensure that the new regulations achieve the original intent rather than simply lengthening an already lengthy paper document. In addition, the human research protections community should evaluate whether the key information section increases research participants' understanding of what they will be undertaking in a particular study.

Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19

Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19 al 31 de enero del 2021. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico en dos bases de datos (MEDLINE y SciELO). Se incluyeron artículos originales y originales breves en la que al menos un autor consignó como filiación una institución peruana. Se describió la producción científica según la institución de procedencia, su aprobación por un comité de ética en investigación, el registro en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, las revistas científicas en las que se publicaron, el financiamiento de las investigaciones, y las redes de colaboración peruana. Resultados: Se incluyeron 106 artículos, de los cuales solo tres (2,8%) fueron ensayos clínicos. De las diez primeras instituciones con mayor producción científica, solo dos no pertenecen al sector educación. En 53 (50,0%) artículos no se tuvo información de los aspectos éticos o no se declaró explícitamente si fue o no aprobado por un comité de ética en investigación. Solo ocho (7,7%) de 104 artículos que debieron estar registrados en PRISA, lo hicieron, doce (11,3%) artículos se publicaron en revistas peruanas. En 71 (67,0%) investigaciones no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas. Se encontró colaboración internacional en 70 publicaciones (66,0%). Conclusión: Las instituciones peruanas más productivas se encuentran en Lima. La mitad de los artículos no consignaron aspectos éticos. Casi la totalidad de los estudios no se registraron en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, y en más de la mitad de los artículos no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas.

Objective: To describe the Peruvian scientific output on COVID-19 up to January 31, 2021. Materials and methods: We carried out a bibliometric study using two databases (MEDLINE and SciELO). We included original or short original articles with at least one author with Peruvian institutional affiliation. Scientific output was described according to: institution, approval by a Research Ethics Committee, registration in the platforms established by regulations, scientific journals in which they were published, research funding, and Peruvian collaboration networks. Results: A total of 106 articles were analyzed, only three (2.8%) were clinical trials. Of the top 10 institutions with the highest scientific output, only two did not belong to the education sector. A total of 53 (50.0%) articles had no information regarding ethical aspects or it was not explicitly stated whether or not it was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Only 8 (7.7%) of 104 articles were registered in PRISA; 12 (11.3%) articles were published in Peruvian journals. Regarding funding, 71 (67.0%) investigations did not specify the source or they were self-financed. We found international collaboration in 70 publications (66.0%). Conclusions: The most productive Peruvian institutions are found in Lima. Half of the articles did not state ethical aspects in any part of the document. Almost all of the studies were not registered on the platforms established by regulations. In more than half of the articles the source of funding is not stated or they were self-financed.

El estado del sistema de evaluación ética de las investigaciones en Argentina y su adaptación a la pandemia de la COVID-19 / Research ethics review system state in Argentina and the adaptation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN un sistema de evaluación ética de las investigaciones en seres humanos es esencial para proteger los derechos de los participantes. Los desafíos impuestos por la pandemia de la COVID-19 para conducir investigaciones éticas que produzcan resultados con rapidez demuestran la necesidad de fortalecerlo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el estado de situación de los sistemas de evaluación ética de las provincias de Argentina y las adaptaciones realizadas por la pandemia. MÉTODOS se realizó una encuesta a los comités provinciales de ética en investigación o áreas similares de los ministerios de Salud que ejercen la vigilancia sobre la evaluación ética de las investigaciones de su jurisdicción. RESULTADOS respondieron 16 de las 17 provincias encuestadas. El 93,7% de los comités provinciales evalúa investigaciones en seres humanos y tiene procedimientos operativos estandarizados (POE). El 68,7% lleva un registro de los comités de ética en investigación (CEI) de su jurisdicción. Un 75% acredita a los CEI y un 68,7% los supervisa. El 100% tiene un registro de las investigaciones en salud; en 56,2% de los casos este registro es público. Del total, 81,2% realizan actividades de capacitación. El 100% adaptó los POE para evaluar estudios sobre la COVID-19. DISCUSIÓN los resultados muestran sistemas provinciales consolidados. Se requiere fortalecer la transparencia en la investigación mediante el registro público de las investigaciones. Se identificaron posibilidades de mejora para proponer acciones a futuro.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION a research ethics system is essential to protect the rights of research participants. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct research ethically to produce rapid results have demonstrated the need to strengthen this system. The objective of this study was to describe the state of the research ethics system of the Provinces of Argentina and the adaptations made due to the pandemic. METHOD: a survey was conducted with provincial research ethics committees or similar areas within the Ministries of Health of the provinces responsible for the oversight of research ethics review under their jurisdiction. RESULTS sixteen of the 17 provinces surveyed responded. 93.7% of the provincial committees review human research and have standard operating procedures (SOPs). 68.7% register the research ethics committees (REC) in their jurisdiction. Seventy-five percent accredit RECs and 68.7% supervise them. 100% have a registry of health research in the jurisdiction, only 56.2% have public access. 81.2% carry out training activities. 100% adapted the SOPs to evaluate studies on COVID-19. DISCUSSION the results show consolidated provincial systems. Transparency in research needs to be strengthened through public registration of research. Possibilities for improvement were identified to propose future actions.

El estado del sistema de evaluación ética de las investigaciones en Argentina y su adaptación a la pandemia de la COVID-19 / Research ethics review system state in Argentina and the adaptation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: un sistema de evaluación ética de las investigaciones en seres humanos es esencial para proteger los derechos de los participantes. Los desafíos impuestos por la pandemia de la COVID-19 para conducir investigaciones éticas que produzcan resultados con rapidez demuestran la necesidad de fortalecerlo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el estado de situación de los sistemas de evaluación ética de las provincias de Argentina y las adaptaciones realizadas por la pandemia. MÉTODOS: se realizó una encuesta a los comités provinciales de ética en investigación o áreas similares de los ministerios de Salud que ejercen la vigilancia sobre la evaluación ética de las investigaciones de su jurisdicción. RESULTADOS: respondieron 16 de las 17 provincias encuestadas. El 93,7% de los comités provinciales evalúa investigaciones en seres humanos y tiene procedimientos operativos estandarizados (POE). El 68,7% lleva un registro de los comités de ética en investigación (CEI) de su jurisdicción. Un 75% acredita a los CEI y un 68,7% los supervisa. El 100% tiene un registro de las investigaciones en salud; en 56,2% de los casos este registro es público. Del total, 81,2% realizan actividades de capacitación. El 100% adaptó los POE para evaluar estudios sobre la COVID-19. DISCUSIÓN: los resultados muestran sistemas provinciales consolidados. Se requiere fortalecer la transparencia en la investigación mediante el registro público de las investigaciones. Se identificaron posibilidades de mejora para proponer acciones a futuro

INTRODUCTION: a research ethics system is essential to protect the rights of research participants. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct research ethically to produce rapid results have demonstrated the need to strengthen this system. The objective of this study was to describe the state of the research ethics system of the Provinces of Argentina and the adaptations made due to the pandemic. METHOD: a survey was conducted with provincial research ethics committees or similar areas within the Ministries of Health of the provinces responsible for the oversight of research ethics review under their jurisdiction. RESULTS: sixteen of the 17 provinces surveyed responded. 93.7% of the provincial committees review human research and have standard operating procedures (SOPs). 68.7% register the research ethics committees (REC) in their jurisdiction. Seventy-five percent accredit RECs and 68.7% supervise them. 100% have a registry of health research in the jurisdiction, only 56.2% have public access. 81.2% carry out training activities. 100% adapted the SOPs to evaluate studies on COVID-19. DISCUSSION: the results show consolidated provincial systems. Transparency in research needs to be strengthened through public registration of research. Possibilities for improvement were identified to propose future actions.

Ética, derecho y regulación de la investigación biomédica en Chile / Ethics, law and the regulation of biomedical research in Chile / Ética, direito e regulamentação da pesquisa biomédica no Chile

Resumen El presente trabajo analiza la relación entre ética y derecho en la regulación de la investigación biomédica en Chile. Para ello, se lleva a cabo un estudio comparativo entre el marco legal chileno y las principales normativas éticas internacionales ( Declaración de Helsinki y Pautas del Consejo de Organizaciones Internacionales de las Ciencias Médicas), teniendo como referente los requisitos para evaluar una investigación biomédica propuestos por Emanuel, Wendler y Grady. Se examinan y comentan tensiones e inconsistencias entre estos ámbitos regulatorios, en particular aquellas donde la legislación chilena tiene vacíos, falencias o es más exigente que el estándar ético internacional. Se concluye con sugerencias para mejorar la regulación jurídica chilena, entre las que se incluyen fortalecer el rol deliberativo de los comités ético-científicos y sistematizar el marco relacionado con investigación con el fin de lograr un cuerpo legal más orgánico y completo.

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between ethics and law in the regulation of biomedical research in Chile. To this end, a comparative study was carried out on the main international ethical regulations ( Declaration of Helsinki and Guidelines of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences), having as a reference the ethical requirements for assessing biomedical research proposed by Emanuel, Wendler and Grady. The tensions and inconsistencies found between the two regulatory areas are evaluated and commented, especially those in which the Chilean legislation presents legal gaps, deficiencies or is more demanding than the international ethical standard. We make some suggestions for improving the Chilean legal regulation of biomedical research, including strengthening the deliberative role of ethics committees and systematizing the legal framework related to research to achieve a more structured and complete legal body.

Resumo Este trabalho analisa a relação entre ética e direito na regulamentação da pesquisa biomédica no Chile. Para isso, realizou-se estudo comparativo entre o marco legal chileno e as principais regulamentações éticas internacionais ( Declaração de Helsinki e Diretrizes do Conselho de Organizações Internacionais de Ciências Médicas), tendo como referência os requisitos éticos propostos por Emanuel, Wendler e Grady para avaliar pesquisas biomédicas. São analisadas e comentadas tensões e inconsistências entre essas áreas regulatórias, particularmente aquelas em que a legislação chilena apresenta lacunas, deficiências ou é mais exigente do que o padrão ético internacional. Concluímos com sugestões para aprimorar a regulamentação legal chilena, incluindo o fortalecimento do papel deliberativo dos comitês de ética em pesquisa e a sistematização do arcabouço normativo relacionado à pesquisa, a fim de alcançar legislação mais estruturada e completa.

Why Human Subjects Research Protection Is Important.

Background: Institutional review boards (IRBs), duly constituted under the Office of Human Research Protection, have the federally mandated responsibility of reviewing research involving human subjects to ensure that a proposed protocol meets the appropriate ethical guidelines before subjects may be enrolled in any study. The road leading to the current regulations and ethical considerations has been long and checkered. Methods: This paper reviews the history of human subjects participating in research, including examples of egregious events, and the ethical analyses that precipitated the evolution of the mandated protections afforded participants in research under current federal regulations. Results: Key documents-from the Nuremberg Code in 1947 to the Belmont Report in 1978 to Moral Science: Protecting Participants in Human Subjects Research in 2011-that have informed the ethics debate regarding human subjects protection in research activities are presented in light of their historic significance, highlighting the complexity of the issues surrounding protection of human subjects in research. Conclusion: The examples from history and the scarcity of contemporary examples demonstrate that the regulations for the protection of humans participating in research have evolved in a way that minimizes the probability that subjects will be harmed when they choose to participate in research. The examples also reinforce the importance of individual responsibility. Failure of IRBs to provide appropriate review and oversight can lead to severe consequences, as can abrogation by the investigator to place the well-being of the subjects as the primary responsibility in any research protocol. Understanding how we arrived at the current approach and some of the failures that directed this course can support efforts to continually reevaluate and improve the safety of subjects who are willing to participate in research activities.