Fast track guidance for research ethics committees

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Fast track guidance for research ethics committees

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PREPARED

What is this about?

The PREPARED "Recommendations for expediting ethics review during times of crisis" presents seven major challenges research ethics committees experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for effective fast-tracking of study protocols as well as a good practice example for each challenge.

Whilst the guidance was developed for crisis situations, it is also likely to be helpful during routine work of editors, publishers and research ethics committees.  

Why is this important?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most research focused on the virus was fast-tracked but often in a fragmented manner. In particular, research ethics committees struggled with requests to fast-track pandemic research because of increased workloads, new remote workflows, uncertainty regarding the risks and benefits of COVID-19 research, a lack of resources and training, and study and review duplication.

For whom is this important?

RECsResearch Ethics Committees

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Who

• PREPARED