TITLE:
Exploration of the Collaborative Review Mechanism for Regional Ethics Centers in University-Affiliated Hospitals
AUTHORS:
Shuzhen Ye
KEYWORDS:
Regional Ethics Committee, Collaborative Review, Ethical Mutual Recognition, University-Affiliated Hospitals, Multicenter Clinical Study, Ethical Governance, Ethics and Government
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: With the surge in multicenter clinical studies, the traditional decentralized ethical review model is facing severe challenges due to its inefficiency and inconsistent standards. In China, regional ethics committees established in university-affiliated hospitals are regarded as a key approach to addressing this dilemma. This paper systematically elaborates on the current exploration status of regional ethics centers in collaborative review and ethical mutual recognition by university-affiliated hospitals in China, constructs a theoretical model for collaborative review, analyzes its operational mechanisms, practical obstacles, and legal regulatory dilemmas, and discusses its future development direction from the interdisciplinary perspective of “ethics and government.” The effective operation of regional ethical collaborative review not only relies on the professional capabilities of ethics committees themselves but also requires clear government support in improving legal frameworks, enhancing administrative supervision coordination, and establishing mechanisms for sharing responsibility and risks. In the future, a diversified ethical governance system characterized by “government guidance, institutional autonomy, and regional collaboration” should be established.