Research ethics Committee of Armed Forces Hospital

the first five years

Abstract

Purpose: to report the experience of the Research Ethics Committee of Armed Forces Hospital (CEP-HFA) since its creation in January 2006 and conduct a survey of the protocols assessed during the first five years of operation. Method: it is a descriptive, documental, exploratory and retrospective study, with a quantitative approach, using case study technique. Results: during the studied period, 66 research protocols were assessed, and 05 of them were removed. According to results, 60 of these research studies belonged to Group III thematic
area and 01 protocol belonged to Group II, i.e., research for the development of a new drug. As for the purpose of the projects, they were the following: 20 undergraduate final projects; 11 institutional research studies conducted at HFA; 10 specialization monographs; 05 research studies for publication in journals; 04 master’s thesis; 04 research studies conducted at institution other than HFA; 02 doctoral dissertations; 03 scientific initiation projects; 01 research study developed to be presented at a scientific congress and 01 multicenter project. Discussion: the report of CEP-HFA activities during the studied period reveals both the legitimacy of the process concerning the ethical review of the protocols and the commitment of its members towards the protection of research subjects. In addition, it also shows the growing consolidation of the work done. Conclusion: this paper concludes that HFA has pursued to adjust itself to current ethical norms and principles, constituting an important support element in this mission.