Role of ‘institutional ethics review committees’ in ensuring ethical standards in teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka
1 Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
2 Organization Development Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.
Review
International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 2026, 11(01), 001–006.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijstra.2026.11.1.0026
Publication history:
Received on 13 June 2026; revised on 15 July 2026; accepted on 18 July 2026
Abstract:
Institutional Ethics Review Committees (ERCs) are essential institutional mechanisms that promote ethical governance in healthcare by safeguarding patient rights, ensuring informed consent, protecting confidentiality, and supporting ethical decision-making in clinical practice. Although institutional ERCs play a vital role in maintaining professional integrity and public trust, many healthcare institutions in Sri Lanka either lack functional ERCs or have committees that operate inefficiently, limiting their impact on quality healthcare delivery.
The objective of this case study is to identify the factors that contribute to the inefficient functioning of Ethics Review Committees in Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka and propose feasible strategies for improvement. A qualitative approach was used, including direct observations, key informant interviews with hospital administrators and senior clinicians, and document analysis of ERC meeting records.
Root cause analysis using the Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram identified deficiencies across five key domains: Man, Method, Management, Material and Machine. Major issues included inadequate training and awareness among healthcare workers and ERC members, absence of institutional guideline and standard operating procedures, non-establishment of a structured process, and weak accountability mechanisms. These factors collectively contributed to the ineffective functioning of ERCs and compromised ethical governance within healthcare institutions.
Several proposals were developed to address these challenges, including establishing a national guideline on institutional ERCs, strengthening leadership and governance, conducting staff training and awareness programmes, and establishing a structured process.
Implementation of these recommendations is expected to strengthen ethical governance, improve protection of patient rights and confidentiality, promote transparency and accountability, enhance public confidence in healthcare institutions, and ensure ethical, patient-centered healthcare delivery. Strengthening the role and functioning of ERCs should therefore be recognized as a strategic priority for improving the quality, safety, and integrity of the Sri Lankan health system.
Keywords:
Institutional Ethics Review Committee; National Guideline; Ethical dilemma
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0