HEALTH RESEARCH ETHICS REVIEW

In 2004, the Nova Scotia Research Ethics Oversight Steering Group was established by the Advisory Council of the District Health Authority Chief Executive Officers and the province’s Deputy Minister of Health. Their objective was to identify a better approach to health research ethics review in Nova Scotia while building on current strengths and processes.

The Steering Group submitted a report outlining their findings to the Advisory Council on March 31, 2006.  This report presents suggestions for reform of the current system for ethical review in the province of Nova Scotia.  These suggestions include further consultation with health research stakeholders, should any further action be contemplated.

To view the Steering Group's report, terms of reference or membership and participation list, please click the appropriate link below:

Final Report: Nova Scotia Research Ethics Oversight Steering Group (PDF)

Terms of Reference: Nova Scotia Research Ethics Oversight Steering Group (PDF)

Membership and Participation: Nova Scotia Research Ethics Oversight Steering Group (PDF) 

Throughout the process, the Steering Group found several resources which may be of interest.  NSHRF is pleased to share this information:

Documents of Interest

1. Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans 

2. Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics: Update to NAPHRO (PPT)

3. Research Ethics Review in Alberta: An Overview (PPT)

4. Ontario Cancer Research Network: A Coordinated Approach to Clinical Research (PPT)

5. Regional Research Ethics Boards: Canadian and International Models (PDF)
 
6. Revisioning the Oversight of Research Involving Humans in Canada (PDF)

Websites of Interest

1. Central Office for Regional Research Ethics Committees

2.  National Council on Ethics in Human Research

3. Bill 23: An Act to Establish a Health Research Ethics Authority for the Province of Newfoundland

BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative

In the spring of 2007, MSFHR commenced facilitation of a BC-wide process for exploring opportunities and stakeholder interest in developing a more effective, coordinated provincial approach to ethical approval of research involving human subjects. Initiated at the request of stakeholders and endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Advanced Education, this project offers an unprecedented opportunity for BC's health research community to collectively address a priority issue affecting the effectiveness and quality of the provincial research enterprise.

MSFHR prepared three background documents and they are available on the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. Click here for more information.