Exploring views of South African research ethics committees on pandemic preparedness and response during Covid-19

Bibliographic Data

ID21787645
AuthorsTheresa Burgess (0000-0001-9796-2182, University of Cape Town, corresponding author), Rennie (0000-0003-3844-972X, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Stuart Rennie, Keymanthri Moodley (0000-0003-3404-4901, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Year2024
Volume20
Issue4
Pages701-730
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueResearch Ethics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1747-0161 • E-ISSN: 2047-6094
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/17470161241250274
PMID39640257
OpenAlexW4396642960
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited65

South African research ethics committees (RECs) faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research ethics committees needed to find a balance between careful consideration of scientific validity and ethical merit of protocols, and review with the urgency normally associated with public health emergency research. We aimed to explore the views of South African RECs on their pandemic preparedness and response during COVID-19. We conducted in-depth interviews with 21 participants from RECs that were actively involved in the review of COVID-19 related research, at seven academic institutions across South Africa. Interviews were conducted remotely using an in-depth interview guide that included questions regarding REC preparedness and response to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted until data saturation, and audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded. An inductive approach to thematic analysis was used to organise data into themes and sub-themes. This study focused on three main themes: coping during COVID-19, building REC capacity during pandemic times and a consistently cautious approach to mutual recognition of REC reviews. Despite an initial sense of unpreparedness, RECs were able to adapt and maintain careful ethical oversight of both COVID and non-COVID research, and the rigour of REC reviews. Several important lessons for preparedness and response to future pandemics were identified, including heightened awareness of publication, funding and political pressures, the importance of regular training for RECs and researchers, and strategies to enhance moral resilience of REC members. Incremental steps are needed to build trust and authentic partnerships among RECs in inter-pandemic times, to facilitate collaboration during future public health emergencies

Bioethics · Medical education · Pandemic · Political science · Preparedness · Public relations · Qualitative research · Research ethics · Rigour · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Ethics in Clinical Research · Ethics in medical practice · Medicine · Psychology · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research

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