Delays and diversity in the practice of local research ethics committees

Objectives-To compare the practices of local research ethics committees and the time they take to obtain ethical approvalfor a multi-centre study. Design-A retrospective analysis ofoutcome of applications for a multi-centre study to local research ethics committees. Setting-Thirty-six local research ethics committees covering 38 district health authorities in England. Main measures-Response of chairmen and women, the time required to obtain approval, and questions asked in application forms. Results- We received replies from all 36 chairmen contacted: four (11 %o) granted their approval, and 32 (89%) required our proposal to be considered by thei