Expedited review

Definition

Expedited review is a process used by institutional review boards (IRBs) to quickly evaluate research proposals that involve minimal risk to participants. This method allows certain studies, particularly those with less complex designs or those that meet specific criteria, to bypass the full review process, speeding up the time it takes for researchers to begin their work. It is essential for facilitating timely access to research opportunities while still upholding ethical standards in protecting participants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expedited review is typically reserved for research that poses no more than minimal risk to participants, such as surveys or studies using existing data.
2. IRBs must follow federal guidelines when determining if a study qualifies for expedited review, ensuring consistency across different institutions.
3. Researchers benefit from expedited reviews as they can start their projects more quickly, which is especially important for time-sensitive studies.
4. The expedited review process requires researchers to submit specific documentation, including informed consent forms and research protocols, to demonstrate compliance with ethical standards.
5. Despite being a faster process, expedited reviews still require thorough ethical scrutiny to protect the rights and welfare of research participants.

Review Questions

• How does the expedited review process differ from the full board review in terms of its application and criteria?
  • The expedited review process differs from the full board review primarily in the complexity and level of risk associated with the proposed research. Expedited reviews are designed for studies that present minimal risk and can be evaluated quickly, while full board reviews involve a detailed examination of more complex studies or those posing greater risks. The expedited review streamlines the approval process, enabling researchers to initiate studies sooner, while full board reviews require comprehensive discussions and approvals from all IRB members.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using expedited review for research involving human subjects.
  • The use of expedited review raises important ethical considerations regarding the balance between efficiency in research approval and the protection of human subjects. While it allows for quicker access to conducting studies, there is a responsibility on IRBs to ensure that even minimal risk research adheres to strict ethical standards. Researchers must provide adequate informed consent and maintain participant confidentiality, ensuring that even expedited studies uphold the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice in their design and implementation.
• Evaluate the role of institutional review boards in maintaining ethical standards during expedited reviews and their impact on public trust in research.
  • Institutional review boards play a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards during expedited reviews by carefully assessing research proposals against established guidelines. Their commitment to upholding ethical principles ensures that even studies with minimal risk are conducted responsibly, which is vital for public trust in research practices. By demonstrating transparency and accountability through rigorous evaluations, IRBs help foster confidence among participants and the broader community that researchers prioritize safety and ethical considerations, thus enhancing the integrity of scientific inquiry.

Related terms

Institutional Review Board (IRB): A group established to review and approve research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met.

Minimal Risk: The probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in research are not greater than those encountered in daily life or during routine physical or psychological examinations.

Full Board Review: A comprehensive evaluation process conducted by an IRB where all members discuss and assess a research proposal for ethical compliance.