What is the focus of an IRB during the review of a study?

The focus of an IRB during the review of a study is primarily on assessing the ethical dimensions and ensuring participant safety. An IRB's main responsibility is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research. This involves evaluating the potential risks to participants, ensuring that risks are minimized and justified by potential benefits, and verifying that informed consent processes are adequate and appropriate.

The evaluation of ethical considerations includes looking at how participants may be affected by the research and ensuring that there are adequate safeguards in place to protect their privacy and confidentiality. The IRB also examines the study’s design to ensure that it adheres to ethical principles and federal regulations aimed at a humane and ethical approach to research involving humans. This thorough review process ensures that studies are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of participants while also complying with applicable laws and ethical standards.