Open AccessThe contribution of an independent ethics committee to quality assurance in clinical trials
Author(s) -
Bowen Angela J.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the quality assurance journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1099-1786
pISSN - 1087-8378
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1786(1997120)2:4<161::aid-qaj41>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - quality assurance , staffing , ethics committee , compliance (psychology) , process (computing) , foundation (evidence) , quality (philosophy) , regulatory affairs , process management , medicine , engineering ethics , business , engineering management , engineering , operations management , political science , nursing , psychology , public administration , computer science , law , social psychology , external quality assessment , philosophy , epistemology , operating system
Abstract Independent Ethics Committees have an opportunity to contribute to the total quality assurance process and improve patient safety. Structures and procedures are suggested to achieve these goals. There are many pitfalls that must be avoided in improving quality. These are examined as they occur in committee funding, structure, membership and staffing. The importance of a structured system for patient protection is the foundation for both regulatory compliance and oversight of the research process. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.