Do researchers feel an LREC hinders research?

BACKGROUND: All medical professionals in the UK who wish to undertake clinical trials involving NHS patients must first obtain ethical approval. Although Local Research Ethics Committees (LRECs) play a crucial role, few studies have attempted to determine what researchers think about the effectiveness of their ethics committee. OBJECTIVE: To explore researchers' views as to the effectiveness or otherwise of their LREC. SUBJECTS: 78 experienced medical researchers. FINDINGS: While most researchers did not feel that the LREC made it more difficult to carry out their research, without good cause, a substantial minority was critical of the Committee, with many feeling that its approach was overly pedantic. CONCLUSION: There may be a need for greater dialogue between ethics committees and researchers, so that researchers understand why committees ask for certain information, and committees are aware of problems their requirements may cause.