What do research ethics committees say about applications to conduct research involving children?. Issue 11 (23rd June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Angell, E; Biggs, H; Gahleitner, F; Dixon-Woods, M
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 95:Issue 11(2010)
• Page Start: 915
• Page End: 917
• Publication Date: 2010-06-23
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2009.172395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To identify issues raised by research ethics committees (RECs) in letters about applications to conduct research involving children. Methods: Analysis of 80 provisional and unfavourable opinion decision letters written by RECs in response to applications to conduct research involving child participants. Results: RECs were most likely to be concerned about issues relating to consent, recruitment, care and protection of participants, scientific design and confidentiality. RECs focused on children's status as "vulnerable". They sought to ensure that children would be protected, that appropriate written language would be used to communicate with children and that an appropriate person would give consent for children to participate. Implications: Researchers should be attentive to issues of potential vulnerability when preparing applications. REC letters may be improved by giving clear and explicit reasons for their opinions.