ICGP implements new online Research Ethics Submission system

ICGP has announced a new streamlined online Research Ethics Submission system, for researchers seeking Research Ethics Committee approval.

The College has worked with Vidatum to implement this new initiative which is a significant step forward in the submission process that will ensure continued transparency – while maintaining the highest ethical standards. 

The ethics review system, developed by Vidatum in collaboration with ICGP, streamlines the ethical review process for generalpractice research projects involving human subjects, ensuring compliance with national and international ethical guidelines and regulations.

The system enables researchers to submit ethics review applications online and track the review progress. It allows the research ethics committee administrator to assign reviewers from the committee's members and communicate with reviewers and applicants.

The ICGP's Chief Operating Officer, Professor Claire Collins welcomed the implementation of the new system: "The ethics review process is a vital aspect of research involving human subjects, and it can be complex and time-consuming. The new ethics review system, developed by Vidatum, will streamline the process for researchers in the general practice arena, enabling them to submit applications online and track review progress in real-time." 

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Senior Lecturer and Chair of the ICGP Research Ethics Committee Dr Frank Moriarty said: "Vidatum took a collaborative approach during the development, and we are confident this has resulted in a system our stakeholders will welcome. The research ethics process can be challenging, and this development is another mechanism in which the ICGP supports college members and researchers in the field of general practice." 

Vidatum CEO Simon Cullen said he was delighted to have worked with the ICGP to develop this innovative ethics review system. "As a company committed to advancing ethical research practices, we recognise the critical importance of ensuring that research involving human subjects is conducted ethically and in compliance with the highest ethical standards. Our system has been implemented in a number of institutions that are focused on streamlining the ethical review process and automating the complex workflows needed."