Reforming procedures for assessing research protocols during Covid-19 pandemic Tri Nugraha Susilawati, Erindra Budi Cahyanto, Usman Sudarmaji
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Abstract
Background: Covid-19 pandemic has caused dramatic changes in daily activities. In particular, human interactions were limited and most daily duties were directed in the online environment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ethical reviews during the pandemic.
Method: The study examined the duration of ethical review and the challenges encountered by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) during the period of 2021-2022. The following data were retrieved: protocol identity, the institution of the researcher, type of study, and the dates of protocol submission as well as the issue of ethical clearance.
Results: Around 200 protocols were reviewed, most of them were submitted by students, followed by lecturers and physicians. The ethical reviews were usually completed within 2 weeks unless major revisions were required. Most reviewers were satisfied by the online review process, but the administration staff has to constantly remind the reviewers to keep everyone on schedule.
Conclusion: The process of ethical review is not much affected by the restriction of direct human interactions. In fact, online reviews are more effective than face-to-face meetings.
