Institutional review board (IRB)

Definition

An institutional review board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that their rights, welfare, and dignity are protected. The IRB plays a crucial role in the ethical oversight of research studies, particularly in public health interventions, by evaluating risks and benefits and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs must consist of at least five members with diverse backgrounds to ensure a broad perspective in decision-making.
2. The primary purpose of an IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research studies.
3. IRBs evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of proposed research projects and can require modifications or even disapproval based on ethical concerns.
4. Researchers are required to submit their study proposals to the IRB before commencing any research involving human subjects.
5. IRBs also monitor ongoing studies to ensure compliance with ethical standards throughout the research process.

Review Questions

• How does an institutional review board (IRB) contribute to the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects?
  • An institutional review board (IRB) contributes significantly to ethical research conduct by reviewing proposed studies to ensure that the rights and welfare of human subjects are prioritized. The IRB evaluates factors like informed consent processes, risk management, and participant privacy. By requiring researchers to adhere to established ethical guidelines, the IRB helps maintain public trust in the research process.
• Discuss the importance of informed consent in the context of the IRB's responsibilities.
  • Informed consent is critical to the IRB's responsibilities as it ensures that participants fully understand what they are agreeing to when involved in a study. The IRB reviews consent forms and processes to confirm that they adequately inform participants about potential risks and benefits. By safeguarding informed consent practices, the IRB helps protect participants' autonomy and promotes ethical standards in research.
• Evaluate how the functions of an IRB can impact public health interventions and research outcomes.
  • The functions of an IRB can significantly impact public health interventions and research outcomes by ensuring that studies are designed with participant safety and ethical considerations at the forefront. When an IRB thoroughly reviews research proposals, it can identify potential ethical issues that researchers may overlook, leading to more responsible study designs. Additionally, by fostering trust in the research process, effective IRB oversight can enhance participant recruitment and retention, ultimately improving the quality and applicability of public health findings.

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process that ensures participants understand the nature of the research, potential risks, and their rights before agreeing to participate.

Ethical Guidelines: Standards that guide researchers in conducting studies responsibly and ethically, focusing on participant welfare and data integrity.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves living individuals from whom data is collected through interaction or intervention.