This mini review examines the emerging use of digital platforms for ethics review (DPER) and the extent to which research ethics committees (RECs) are prepared for digital transformation and operational autonomy. Drawing on a structured analysis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024, the review synthesises the existing research on DPER and examines reported challenges, successes, and implementation recommendations associated with their adoption. In this context, digital autonomy refers to RECs’ readiness to conduct ethics review processes through dedicated digital platforms, supported by adequate infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, institutional capacity, and appropriate data protection and security measures. Findings indicate that digitalisation efforts primarily focus on improving administrative efficiency, protocol tracking, and communication workflows, with reported improvements in processing times and documentation management. However, the literature reveals limited attention to broader system-level governance considerations, including regulatory alignment, infrastructure readiness, data security, and institutional capacity. Across the included studies, there is minimal critical engagement with how DPER reshape accountability structures, transparency mechanisms, and decision-making authority within RECs. The review highlights emerging areas requiring further investigation. This includes governance and regulatory preparedness, variability in institutional digital capacity, and the implications of increasing automation in ethics review processes. Overall, while DPER show promise for strengthening research oversight, the evidence base remains limited in scope and depth. Further empirical and conceptual research is needed to assess institutional and national readiness and to ensure that digital transformation supports, rather than undermines, ethical governance in RECs.
Odero et al. (Tue,) studied this question.