MMI has been supporting the development of a Common Ethics form for clinical research studies not covered by SI 190. Over the last six months a group of hospital Research Ethics Committees administrators have been meeting to develop the common form.

A pilot version of the form is available on the MMI web site and is currently being piloted by Research Ethics Committees associated with the Dublin Teaching Hospitals, HSE North East, HSE South East and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The pilot phase will take until May 2010 and the form will then be finalised and made available for general use by Research Ethics Committees across Ireland.

"A common form will offer a range of advantages to applicants and Research Ethic Committee members", says Jeremy Towns of the DCCR who Chaired the Group.  

He added, "Educational programming can be developed to train researchers and research nurses on how the form should be completed and it saves time for those researchers wishing to conduct multisite clinical research. The form also incorporates smart form technology, which provides guidance to applicants as they complete the form."

To view the current version of the form please go to: http://www.molecularmedicineireland.ie/page/g/s/82

The Committee would welcome feedback on the form. This can be sent to jeremy.towns@molecularmedicineireland.ie