Understanding the structure and practices of research ethics committees through research and audit: a study from Mexico

The paper suggests that, to support staff and to protect research subjects, the organizational structure, management and decision making process of the IMSS's LRECs ought to be assessed regularly through audit cycles. In order to support the further development of the committees, the aim of the audit cycles should be focused on education and development of the vision, perspectives, values, and working processes of each LREC.