Multi-Centre Research
There are two streamlined approaches for the consideration of multi-centre research ethics applications based upon the mutual recognition of ethical review by other certified Human Research Ethics Committees.
There are two streamlined approaches for the consideration of multi-centre research ethics applications based upon the mutual recognition of ethical review by other certified Human Research Ethics Committees:
- SA Health Single Ethical Review Model
- National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) Model
When conducting research at multiple sites, a separate site specific assessment (SSA) application to each institution/site where the research is to be conducted is required to ensure that research governance requirements are met.
1. SA Health Single Ethical Review Model
- For all multi-centre research taking place within the SA Health public health system, excluding audits.
- All SA Health sites participating in the research will accept the outcomes of the review of the lead HREC without further ethical or scientific consideration.
- Generally, the lead committee will be located at the institution of the Chief Investigator/Principal Investigator (CI/PI). However there are also specific requirements which applicants should be aware of for applications involving:
- databases or data registries
- primary research participants who are children and young people
- a topic or disease/health burden identified as being of specific concern to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Further information may be obtained from:
2. National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) Model
- As of 14 December 2015, NMA enables public health organisations of participating jurisdictions to accept a single ethical and scientific review of multi-centre human research projects. Participating jurisdictions are currently South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory (public health organisations only).
- The following categories of clinical trials are excluded from the single review process in South Australia:
- Phase 0 (first time in human) and Phase 1 Clinical Trials
- Clinical trials involving South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, for which all applications will need to be reviewed by the Aboriginal Human Research Ethics Committee in addition to a Certified HREC.
- The Human Research Ethics Application (HREA) Form is a requirement for all research ethics proposals submitted under NMA.
Further information may be obtained from: