Indicators for Strengthening National Research Ethics Systems

Abstract

In 2018, the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) evaluated their progress on integrating ethics in distinct areas of health, and deemed it essential that a systemic approach be promoted so that research is always conducted ethically. To strengthen research ethics systemically, PAHO has developed research ethics indicators that address the core components of a national research ethics system. The indicators allow to identify advances on each component, evaluate progress toward strengthening systems, and develop a plan of action for each country based on the indicators not yet reached. This indicator-based strategy could be useful beyond the Region and be a model for other countries and regions to strengthen their national research ethics systems and catalyze research ethics.