Free Essay Sample on Alternative Models of IRB Review

Introduction

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) tend to provide primary security for researchers involved in human study via the periodic and independent review applying various codes of ethical acceptability for proposals regarding human research. These codes are analyzed and enforced by the Office of Human Research Protections that works under the Department Of Health and Human Services (Kelly & Johnson, 2005). The paper evaluates the practicability and viability of various alternative models identified by the Office of Human Research Protections.

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Models

One of the identified models is the review of single-site studies by a local IRB; the model deals with entities that do not apply internal IRBs. The local IRB is internal and is applied internally by site studies to ensure the wellbeing of their researchers (Kelly & Johnson, 2005). Another alternative model provided by the board is the general participation of each local IRB by doing a review in a multi-site study. The model is viable in providing different oversight mechanisms, thus enabling researchers to evaluate their studies efficiently and effectively. Applying the strategy aligns with the application of another alternative model that encourages the sharing of common information and materials to facilitate research on multiple site studies (Kelly & Johnson, 2005).

Also, in the case of a diverse topic of research, the board proposed that it is vital that an institution relies on another institution’s IRB for the specific research. A site like IRBNet allows researchers to access information from fellow scientists that have specialized in the study of interest. A single independent IRB could also conduct a review on behalf of other sites for any type of study (Kelly & Johnson, 2005). The approach applies whenever the IRB in question are in the best position to review the study of interest. There are also scenarios where a model involving the participation of a local IRB in a facilitated review for a multi-site study is applicable. The process involves a Local IRB accepting, modifying, or reviewing the findings of the study in question (Kelly & Johnson, 2005).

Another model applicable in research encompasses a regional and national IRB reviewing the same procedure concurrently; the two parties work by comparing results for the benefit of the study. In a scenario where various sites are pursuing a common study, the sites should form a consorting podium by using one of the involved site’s IRB to review the protocol in a collaborative manner (Kelly & Johnson, 2005). In addition, a new entity can also be involved for review purposes. Another approach was recommended that involves multiple IRBs using a single IRB provided by a foreign site to review a common research study (Kelly & Johnson, 2005).

Conclusion

The application of the models discussed is meant to enhance the quality of ethical and scientific reviews. It is vital that all scientific institutions get access to experts specialized in various fields of science to eliminate the limitation of research due to lack of expertise. The models also work to reduce the pressure experienced by various research bodies by sharing IRB sites.

Reference

Kelly, P. A., & Johnson, M. L. (2005). Alternative Models of IRB Review Workshop Summary Report http://www.consortiumofirb.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DC-888627-v1-Alternative_Models_of_IRB_Review_Doc5_-_pending.pdf.