Evaluation criteria of the ethics committee

1. Competency of investigators

• Do the investigators have the necessary experience and skills to conduct the study?

2. Importance of the study

• Does this study answer an important question?
• Have similar studies been done before?

3. Appropriateness of the objectives and outcome measures

• Are the objectives and outcomes clear and measurable?
• Do they correspond to the research question?

4. Scientific rigour

• Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question?

5. Protection of vulnerable population

• Does the study involve vulnerable subjects?
• Are steps being taken to ensure they are not being disadvantaged?
• Are any groups of individuals unfairly excluded?

6. Recruitment and consent procedures

• Could circumstances of the recruitment put undue influence or pressure on potential subjects?
• Is the language of the participant information sheet and consent form understandable?
• Does the participant information sheet accurately describe the study?
• Does the consent form state that participation is voluntary?

7. Confidentiality

• Will participants’ information be anonymised?
• Will data be kept, transferred and disposed securely?
  

8. Risks and benefits to subjects

• Are there potential benefits to the subjects?
• Are there risks to the subjects in terms of potential physical, psychological, social-legal and financial / economic harm, discomforts or burdens?
• Are actions taken to minimise them?
• Are the risks justified by the potential benefits of the study?
  

9. Compensation to subjects

• Will subjects be compensated for their travel and inconvenience?
• Will subjects be compensated in the event of harm or injury?