Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Because IRB review of multi-institutional research can involve as many IRBs as there are institutions participating in the research, the process can be frustrating, time-consuming, and unnecessarily iterative for both IRBs and researchers, and can also possibly cause researchers to miss funding opportunities.
Definition of the Intended Outcome: Among a network of 16 affiliated large organizations engaged in significant epidemiologic research, each with its own IRB, arrive at a method to improve the IRB review process of multi-institutional research, while at the same time, assuring that regulatory and policy requirements are met.
Description of Program: Determine which group of low-risk data-only studies will be used to beta test the new approaches to IRB review of inter-institutional research. Communicate with involved researchers, IRB Chairs, and IRB Administrators to discuss the review process options to determine the approaches to be tested. Evaluate the processes used for the review of each study and modify process as appropriate for the next study. Inform Chairs and Administrators of the results of each test. Recommend an approach for adoption by all members of the network.
Evaluation Method: Testing of procedures currently underway.
Suggestions: When completed, this process may prove adaptable to others engaged in multi-institutional research review.
- Received September 11, 2008.
