Firstly, we acknowledge the significance of an ethics review and the sparks of creativity and brainstorming it ignites. Now, let’s delve into the essentials for obtaining ethical approval.

The ethics review process evaluates the ethical considerations and implications of research studies involving human participants. An ethics review committee carries out this evaluation. The primary objective of an ethics review is to ensure that research involving human participants is conducted responsibly and ethically.

Here are the requirements for students seeking ethical approval:

1. A study proposal or protocol with a signed declaration page.

2. A cover letter detailing all submitted documents.

3. Plagiarism reports indicating a similarity index of 15% or lower.

4. A participant Information Sheet and a consent form. Note that more than a letter of introduction is required. This requirement does not apply to desktop studies.

5. A budget for the study.

6. The study tools to be used, such as a questionnaire, interview guide, FGD guide, etc.

7. The curriculum vitae (CV) of the applicant, researcher, or principal investigator.

For independent studies seeking ethical approval, the requirements are as follows:

1. A proposal or protocol.

2. A cover letter detailing all submitted documents.

3. A Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certificate or an Ethics Training Certificate.

4. A delegation log.

5. The CV of the applicant, researcher, or principal investigator.

6. Proof of payment for ethics review services.

7. Plagiarism reports indicating a similarity index of 15% or lower.

8. A budget for the study.

9. The study tools to be used, such as a questionnaire, interview guide, FGD guide, etc.

10. A participant Information Sheet and a consent form. Note that more than a letter of introduction is required. This requirement does not apply to desktop studies.

After successfully submitting all documents, the review process will take approximately 14 working days.

Researchers may also opt for an Expedited Review which typically takes 4-5 working days. However, a valid reason must be given for the committee to expedite the submission in line with their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Feedback will be provided in two ways; either through an Approval Letter or Comments/Recommendations from the reviewers.

For further guidance, Feel free to write to us through research@strathmore.edu.

This Article was written By Mwango Chanda.