Reported processes and practices of researchers applying for human research ethics approval for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research: a mixed methods study

• DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52565
• Publication Date: 2025-02-02T14:30:16Z
• Authors: Jamie Bryant; Kade Booth; Felicity Collis; Catherine Chamber...; Jaquelyne Hughes; Breanne Hobden; Kalinda E Griffiths; Mark Wenitong; Peter O'Mara; Alex Brown; Sandra J Eades; Kelvin M Kong; Raymond W Lovett; Michelle Kennedy
• Keywords: Research Ethics; Ethics committee

Abstract Objectives To examine self‐reported practices for obtaining ethics approval and reflections on application processes among researchers who have conducted Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health medical research. Study design Cross‐sectional online survey. Setting participants Australian‐based research that included people or their data. Main outcome measures Results from a 74‐item survey completed, which questions demographics, processes, perceptions of engagement in research, barriers to enablers conducting Of 553 eligible commenced the survey, 439 (79.4%) answered all were analysis. A total 327 (74.5%) had obtained an human committee (AHREC), 254 (57.9%) multistate approvals 270 (61.5%) not participated training specifically Participants significantly more likely report being very extremely confident managing process if they ≥ 6 years experience, training, AHREC, dedicated > 50% time acknowledged importance improving practices, however identified costs as barriers. do always uphold Indigenous approaches methodologies. Conclusions Processes meet contemporary needs would be strengthened by streamlining reducing cost barriers, enhancing cultural appropriateness. We join calls establishment state‐based AHRECs every jurisdiction, national review cross‐jurisdictional