When might an IRB grant a "partial waiver" of informed consent?

A "partial waiver" of informed consent can be granted by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) under certain circumstances where it is determined that the requirements for informed consent do not need to be fully applied. One key situation where this applies is when the research involves minimal risk to participants.

In research that poses minimal risk, the IRB may find that requiring full informed consent could be an unnecessary barrier to participation and could hinder the research process. This waiver allows the research to proceed while still respecting the participants' rights, especially if the potential benefits of the research outweigh the risks involved and if the waiver does not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the participants.

The considerations for a partial waiver prioritize the safety and welfare of participants while balancing the need for ethical research practices. It serves as an approval mechanism that facilitates research in settings where gaining complete informed consent might not be feasible or necessary.