Clinical Ethics Committees in Africa: lost in the shadow of RECs/IRBs?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clinical Ethics Committees (CECs) are well established at healthcare institutions in resource-rich countries. However, there is limited information on established CECs in resource poor countries, especially in Africa. This study aimed to establish baseline data regarding existing formal CECs in Africa to raise awareness of and to encourage the establishment of CECs or Clinical Ethics Consultation Services (CESs) on the continent.

Methods

A descriptive study was undertaken using an online questionnaire via SunSurveys to survey healthcare professionals and bioethicists in Africa. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis and Fischer's exact test was applied to determine associations. Texts from the open-ended questions were thematically analysed.

Results

In

SUBMITTER: Moodley K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7672173 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature