Exploration of the ethical review criteria and management of COVID-19 Emergency Research

Objective Conduct comprehensive analysis of the regulatory requirement of ethical review regarding to the response of public health emergency, illustrate particular ethical review and ethical administration strategies for COVID-19 Emergency Research. Methods Theoretical discussion, case study and interpretation of international guidelines were adopted to explore challenges and possible best practices for ethical review of such research. Results The ethical review of COVID-19 emergency research should comply with regulatory requirement in general, combined with contextual background. Conclusions The ethical review approval criteria of COVID-19 emergency research should take into full consideration of its urgency to make sure efficient and high quality initial review, meanwhile, more attention should be paid on continuing ethical review and ethical consultation during the whole life-circle of COVID-19 Emergency Research. Key words: COVID-19 Emergency Research; Ethical review; Approval criteria; Ethical management