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

Abstract

Objective: To compare work loads 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 were eventually approved and 86% - 97% of clinical trials.
Conclusion: The work load puts an increasingly heavy burden on HREC(M) members and support staff.