Challenges faced by ethics committee members in India during COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods exploration.

Background & Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic had a distinct impact on scientific research and Ethics Committees (ECs). We conducted a mixed-methods investigation to understand the issues faced and solutions identified by ECs during this pandemic in India.

Methods: A quantitative online survey form (30 members) and qualitative in-depth interviews (10 members) from various ECs were conducted. Thematic content analysis for qualitative and proportion analysis for quantitative data was carried out.

Results: During the online survey, an average difficulty score, which was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, was 5.3 (SD 2.1). Pressure for expedited approvals was felt by EC members with a drastic increase in the number of submission of research projects. The scarcity of information on investigational products (IPs) and requisite consent process posed major hurdles. Ongoing non-COVID studies and post-graduate dissertations were badly hit due to the shift in attention towards COVID-related research. Non-familiarity with virtual technology and lack of face-to-face interactions were highlighted as demerits. However, a few of the EC members welcomed newer methods, being time-saving, convenient and reducing travel hassles. Site monitoring and severe adverse event-related analyses were also negatively impacted upon. Solutions included the alternate methods of consenting (virtual, abbreviated), a detailed explanation of the protocol and IPs and benefits versus risk assessment.

Interpretation & Conclusions: Despite various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECs in India steered well through the hurdles. Moreover, adapting a hybrid mode, technical training and updating guidelines were perceived as urgent by EC members.