Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania
Abstract Background Over the years, the processing of research proposals for ethical approvals have been done manually through a review of hard copies. Longer turn-around-time, increased financial costs to researchers and cumbersome submission processes are few of the challenges inherent to paper-ba...
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-12151-0 |
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| author | Rebecca D. Mkumbwa Godwin Pancras Nathanael S. Sirili |
| author_facet | Rebecca D. Mkumbwa Godwin Pancras Nathanael S. Sirili |
| author_sort | Rebecca D. Mkumbwa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Over the years, the processing of research proposals for ethical approvals have been done manually through a review of hard copies. Longer turn-around-time, increased financial costs to researchers and cumbersome submission processes are few of the challenges inherent to paper-based review of research proposals. This has necessitated the shift to electronic management of research proposals, Research Ethics Information Management Systems (REIMS). Still, the advantages of going paperless and inherent drawbacks remain unsubstantiated, hence the aim of this study. Methods We adopted a pre and post evaluation design using a qualitative approach, where 16 faculty members of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences were interviewed. Participants were purposefully recruited to include only those who had been exposed to both the paper-based research ethics review system and REIMS. The faculty were stratified into two groups: researchers and research ethics committee members. Thematic analysis using inductive approach was used to develop and analyze gathered information. Results The study unveiled the strengths and limitations of REIMS as two important themes. The strengths included convenience in the use of the system and improved records management. The limitations included demand for reliable ICT resources and limited reviewer-researcher interaction. Conclusion The findings of this study underscore the strengths and limitations of going paperless and employment of REIMS. Institutions aspiring to adapt the system can learn from this experience and devise ways to overcome the limitations. We recommend system automation, strengthening the institutional capacity and further studies to be conducted on the adoptability of REIMS especially in resource limited settings. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2580422c72504460ab653887c867735f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-2580422c72504460ab653887c867735f2025-01-05T12:12:35ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-01-012511710.1186/s12913-024-12151-0Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in TanzaniaRebecca D. Mkumbwa0Godwin Pancras1Nathanael S. Sirili2Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDepartment of Bioethics and Health Professionalism, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDepartment of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesAbstract Background Over the years, the processing of research proposals for ethical approvals have been done manually through a review of hard copies. Longer turn-around-time, increased financial costs to researchers and cumbersome submission processes are few of the challenges inherent to paper-based review of research proposals. This has necessitated the shift to electronic management of research proposals, Research Ethics Information Management Systems (REIMS). Still, the advantages of going paperless and inherent drawbacks remain unsubstantiated, hence the aim of this study. Methods We adopted a pre and post evaluation design using a qualitative approach, where 16 faculty members of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences were interviewed. Participants were purposefully recruited to include only those who had been exposed to both the paper-based research ethics review system and REIMS. The faculty were stratified into two groups: researchers and research ethics committee members. Thematic analysis using inductive approach was used to develop and analyze gathered information. Results The study unveiled the strengths and limitations of REIMS as two important themes. The strengths included convenience in the use of the system and improved records management. The limitations included demand for reliable ICT resources and limited reviewer-researcher interaction. Conclusion The findings of this study underscore the strengths and limitations of going paperless and employment of REIMS. Institutions aspiring to adapt the system can learn from this experience and devise ways to overcome the limitations. We recommend system automation, strengthening the institutional capacity and further studies to be conducted on the adoptability of REIMS especially in resource limited settings.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-12151-0Research information management systemResearch ethicsTanzania |
| spellingShingle | Rebecca D. Mkumbwa Godwin Pancras Nathanael S. Sirili Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania BMC Health Services Research Research information management system Research ethics Tanzania |
| title | Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania |
| title_full | Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania |
| title_fullStr | Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania |
| title_full_unstemmed | Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania |
| title_short | Going paperless: the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in Tanzania |
| title_sort | going paperless the strengths and limitations of electronic research ethics information management system in a health training institution in tanzania |
| topic | Research information management system Research ethics Tanzania |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-12151-0 |
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