Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) do ethical reviews. When you apply for ethics approval, a HREC will assess your project using the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.
You need to show that:
Low risk projects, such as quality assurance activities, may not need a full ethics review.
We recommend you discuss your project with our research team before you apply. They can talk you through the application requirements and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us on 07 4184 1834 or email WBHHS-ResearchServices@health.qld.gov.au.
We don't have our own HREC, but you can use a HREC at another Queensland hospital and health service.
There may be costs involved. You'll need to check with your HREC.
We can also help you pick the right HREC for your project. Call us on 07 4184 1834 or email WBHHS-ResearchServices@health.qld.gov.au
We must review and sign your project protocol before you apply to your HREC.
Your project protocol must include:
If you're doing a clinical trial, include information about the drugs or devices.
You may also need to give supporting documents, including:
Check with your HREC what documents you need.
Apply through the Ethics Review Manager (ERM).
Learn more about how to use the ERM on the Queensland Health website.
After the HREC has reviewed your application, you'll get an email to let you know the outcome.
Multi-site research involves multiple facilities. It may be across a single Queensland Health facility and one or more external sites. For example, private practices, universities or another state or territory's health services.
You can find a list of institutions with certified ethics review processes on the National Health and Medical Research Council website.
After you've submitted your application for ethics approval, you can start on your research governance application.