The role of Institutional Bioethics Committees in Panama in relation to regulation and research practice: analysis 2018–2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37387/ipc.v14i1.440Keywords:
bioethics committees, ethical regulation, scientific research, PanamaAbstract
Institutional Bioethics Committees (IBCs) play an essential role in reviewing research protocols, ensuring both scientific and methodological rigor and compliance with ethical and regulatory principles. In Panama, their role has become increasingly important as part of the strengthening of the national scientific research system. A descriptive study was conducted based on an analysis of the annual reports published by the National Bioethics Committee of the Republic of Panama for the period 2018–2022. Duly accredited IBCs were identified, and trends in the submission, evaluation, and approval of research protocols were examined. The analysis revealed that descriptive research protocols were the most frequently reviewed during the five-year period. Likewise, a high approval rate was observed for projects submitted to the different IBCs. These results reflect both the consolidation of the committees' work and the preference of researchers for studies of lesser methodological complexity. The findings highlight the importance of IRBs in the ethical and methodological regulation of research in Panama. However, there is also a need to promote research with greater methodological diversity and scientific rigor in order to strengthen national scientific output. This study provides relevant evidence for understanding the role of IRBs in Panama and offers insights for strengthening their work in ethical oversight. The results contribute to improving good bioethical practices and consolidating a more robust and ethically responsible research system in the country.
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