Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring ethical standards are maintained. It plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and welfare of participants, overseeing the ethical conduct of research, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are required by federal regulations for any research involving human subjects funded by the U.S. government, as well as many private institutions.
2. The primary purpose of an IRB is to minimize risks to participants, ensuring that the potential benefits of research outweigh any possible harm.
3. IRBs review research proposals to assess factors such as informed consent processes, risk management strategies, and overall ethical considerations.
4. Members of an IRB typically include scientists, ethicists, and community representatives to provide diverse perspectives on ethical issues.
5. Research studies can be classified as exempt, expedited, or full board review based on the level of risk involved, affecting the IRB's review process.

Review Questions

• How does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensure the ethical treatment of participants in research studies?
  • The Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensures ethical treatment by thoroughly reviewing research proposals before they are conducted. The IRB evaluates whether researchers have adequately outlined informed consent procedures, assessed risks versus benefits, and implemented measures to protect participant confidentiality. By requiring these elements, the IRB promotes accountability and prioritizes participant welfare in research.
• Discuss the significance of informed consent in the context of the IRB's role in overseeing human subjects research.
  • Informed consent is a fundamental component of the IRB's oversight responsibilities in human subjects research. The IRB ensures that researchers provide clear information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits so participants can make educated decisions about their involvement. This process protects participants' autonomy and enhances trust between researchers and subjects, which is vital for ethical research practices.
• Evaluate the impact of having diverse members on an IRB regarding the ethical review process and its implications for human subjects research.
  • Diverse membership on an IRB significantly enhances the ethical review process by incorporating various perspectives and expertise. This diversity helps identify potential ethical concerns that may not be evident to a homogenous group. It encourages comprehensive discussions about risks, cultural sensitivities, and varying community standards, ultimately leading to more robust protections for participants. The implications of this diversity extend beyond individual studies; it fosters broader ethical practices in human subjects research across institutions.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process by which researchers provide potential participants with comprehensive information about a study, allowing them to make an informed decision about their participation.

Ethical Guidelines: Standards and principles that govern the conduct of research, ensuring that it is conducted responsibly and ethically.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves collecting data from or about living individuals, requiring special ethical considerations to protect participants.