Metrics of a Research Ethics Committee: efficiency and effectiveness

Authors

Abstract

This cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, which used secondary data from Plataforma
Brasil, aimed to analyze the performance indicators of the Research Ethics Committee of the General
Hospital of Fortaleza between 2018 and 2024, focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of the ethical
review process. Significant variations were identified in the average times of the analyzed stages,
especially in the initial phases, such as document validation and responses to pending issues. In contrast,
stages related to the work of the reviewers showed greater stability and predictability. Statistical
analyses confirmed relevant differences among the stages, highlighting critical points that require
adjustments in workflows and improvements in management. Continuous monitoring through indicators
strengthens ethical governance, guides the improvement of the evaluation system, and contributes
to enhancing institutional practices, thereby strengthening research ethics in the country.

Keywords:

Research ethics committees, Service indicators, ; Effectiveness, Efficiency, Health evaluation, Ethics committees, research. Indicators of health services. Efficacy. Efficiency. Health evaluation.

Author Biographies

Simone Oliveira Lucas-Bertoldo, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Simone Oliveira Lucas-Bertoldo – Doutoranda – simoneolucasbertoldo@gmail.com
0009-0008-1968-5341

Adna Ribeiro Braquehais, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Adna Braquehais – Mestra – arbraquehais@yahoo.com.br
0000-0002-8394-6031

Luísa Maria Oliveira Pinto, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Luisa Maria Oliveira Pinto – Mestra – luisapan2009@hotmail.com
0009-0002-7268-9911

Fred Ribeiro Santiago, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Fred Ribeiro Santiago – Mestre – fredribeiro2000@gmail.com
0000-0003-3521-0043

Patrícia Quirino da Costa, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Patricia Quirino da Costa – Doutora – patricia_quirino@hotmail.com
0000-0002-3599-520X

Paula Sacha Frota Nogueira, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza/CE, Brasil.

Paula Sacha Frota Nogueira – Doutora – sachanogueiraufc@gmail.com
0000-0003-4053-1722

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-27

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264150PT

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How to Cite

1.
Oliveira Lucas-Bertoldo S, Ribeiro Braquehais A, Oliveira Pinto LM, Ribeiro Santiago F, Quirino da Costa P, Frota Nogueira PS. Metrics of a Research Ethics Committee: efficiency and effectiveness. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 27 [cited 2026 Aug. 18];34. Available from: https://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4150

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