Workload of a South African University-based Health Research Ethics Committee in 2003 and 2007

Abstract

"Objective. To compare workloads of a university-based health research ethics committee (medical) for 2003 and 2007. Methods. Minutes and database records of all applications processed by the committee in 2003 and 2007 were examined. Results. General research applications increased from 439 to 553 in 2007 while clinical trial proposals declined from 102 to 86. Some 60 - 70% of applications required revision; 77 - 81% of general research applications and 86 - 97% of clinical trials were eventually approved. Conclusion. The workload puts an increasingly heavy burden on committee members and support staff"