Research ethics review system state in Argentina and the adaptation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: a research ethics system is essential to protect the rights of research participants. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct research ethically to produce rapid results have demonstrated the need to strengthen this  system. The objective  of this study was to describe the state of the research ethics system of the Provinces of Argentina and the adaptations made due to the pandemic. METHOD: a survey was conducted with provincial research ethics committees or  similar areas within the Ministries of Health of the provinces responsible for the oversight of research ethics review under their  jurisdiction. RESULTS: sixteen of the 17 provinces surveyed responded. 93.7% of the provincial committees review human  research and have standard operating procedures (SOPs). 68.7% register the research ethics committees (REC) in their  jurisdiction. Seventy-five percent accredit RECs and 68.7% supervise them. 100% have a registry of health research in the  jurisdiction, only 56.2% have public access. 81.2% carry out training activities. 100% adapted the SOPs to evaluate studies on  COVID-19. DISCUSSION: the results show consolidated provincial systems. Transparency in research needs to be strengthened  through public registration of research. Possibilities for improvement were identified to propose future actions.