PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Elizabeth Fistein AU - Sally Quilligan TI - In the lion's den? Experiences of interaction with research ethics committees AID - 10.1136/medethics-2011-100124 DP - 2012 Apr 01 TA - Journal of Medical Ethics PG - 224--227 VI - 38 IP - 4 4099 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/38/4/224.short 4100 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/38/4/224.full SO - J Med Ethics2012 Apr 01; 38 AB - Research ethics review is an important process, designed to protect participants in medical research. However, it is increasingly criticised for failing to meet its aims. Here, two researchers reflect on their experiences of applying for ethical approval of observational research in clinical settings. They highlight some problems faced by reviewers and researchers and propose a two-stage ethical review process that would alert researchers to the committee's concerns and allow them to give a more considered response.